tehillim
LowFormal / Religious
Definition
Meaning
Psalms, specifically the Book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible, often used in Jewish liturgy and prayer.
A physical book containing the Book of Psalms, commonly used for personal prayer or study; sometimes refers to the recitation of psalms as an act of devotion, particularly in times of distress.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a loanword from Hebrew, used almost exclusively within Jewish religious contexts. It is a plural noun in its source language but is typically treated as singular in English (e.g., 'a book of Tehillim'). The word is capitalised in many contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or usage, as the term is specific to religious context rather than regional English.
Connotations
Same religious and liturgical connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English, confined to Jewish communities and theological discussion.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
recite Tehillimread from Tehillimfind solace in Tehillimcarry a Tehillimopen the Tehillim toVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Say Tehillim for someone”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, or historical contexts discussing Hebrew scriptures or Jewish liturgy.
Everyday
Used within Jewish communities in contexts of prayer, comfort, or religious study.
Technical
Not used in general technical fields; specific to religious text scholarship.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They would tehillim each morning. (Note: Extremely rare, not standard usage.)
American English
- (No standard verb usage.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb usage.)
American English
- (No standard adverb usage.)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjective usage.)
American English
- (No standard adjective usage.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She has a book of Tehillim.
- My grandmother reads Tehillim every day for comfort.
- During difficult times, the community gathered to recite Tehillim for the family.
- Scholars note that the structure and themes within Tehillim reflect a complex theological worldview.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TELL him' you find comfort in the TEHILLIM (Psalms).
Conceptual Metaphor
A spiritual tool/medicine (e.g., 'He used Tehillim as a balm for his soul').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'тело' (body). The Hebrew-derived term 'Тэилим' (Теилим) is the direct equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Treating it as a plural in English (e.g., 'these tehillim are...' is uncommon). Using it without capitalisation in formal religious writing.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'Tehillim'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While plural in Hebrew, it is usually treated as a singular mass noun in English (e.g., 'a book of Tehillim').
Yes, particularly in academic or interfaith discussions about the Book of Psalms in its original Hebrew/Jewish context.
'Psalms' is the standard English name for the book. 'Tehillim' is the Hebrew name, often used to specify the Hebrew text or emphasise its Jewish liturgical use.
It is pronounced /təˈhɪlɪm/ (tuh-HIL-im), with the primary stress on the second syllable.