tobit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal / Historical / Theological
Quick answer
What does “tobit” mean?
A unit of measurement for the weight of precious metals, especially in ancient Judaism, equivalent to about 12 grams.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of measurement for the weight of precious metals, especially in ancient Judaism, equivalent to about 12 grams.
A rarely used historical term for a small biblical weight, most commonly encountered in scholarly discussions of ancient economies and religious texts. It can also refer to the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. The term is equally obscure in both varieties.
Connotations
In both UK and US contexts, the word carries strong connotations of antiquity, scholarship, and religious history.
Frequency
Extremely rare in all contemporary English dialects, appearing almost solely in academic or theological writing.
Grammar
How to Use “tobit” in a Sentence
[The Book] of Tobita tobit of [precious metal]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tobit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as an adjective.
American English
- Not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, and theological papers discussing ancient economies or biblical texts.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
May appear in very specialized texts on ancient metrology or biblical studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tobit”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tobit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tobit”
- Mispronouncing it as /tɒˈbɪt/ or /ˈtɒbɪt/.
- Using it as a verb or adjective.
- Confusing it with the more common word 'habit'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and is only used in specialised academic or religious contexts related to ancient history or biblical studies.
It is primarily a noun, referring to a unit of weight or a biblical book/character. It is not used as a verb, adjective, or adverb.
In British English, it is pronounced /ˈtəʊbɪt/ (TOH-bit). In American English, it is pronounced /ˈtoʊbɪt/ (TOH-bit).
The lowercase 'tobit' refers to the ancient unit of weight. The capitalised 'Tobit' refers to the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit or its main character.
A unit of measurement for the weight of precious metals, especially in ancient Judaism, equivalent to about 12 grams.
Tobit is usually formal / historical / theological in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TO-BIT' as a tiny BIT of gold TO be measured in the Old Testament.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOSSILISED MEASURE: The word is a linguistic fossil, preserved only in the amber of ancient texts.
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the word 'tobit'?