Definition

1. Noun:
   • A word, phrase, or linguistic feature characteristic of the Hebrew language: A Hebraism is an element of Hebrew language or style that appears in another language.
   • A custom, belief, or practice characteristic of the Hebrew people or Jewish culture: It can also refer to a Jewish cultural or religious characteristic.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The phrase "an eye for an eye" is a well-known Hebraism that has entered English.
  • His writing style is marked by several Hebraisms, reflecting his deep study of ancient texts.

Advanced Usage

• In linguistic analysis: The term is used to identify the direct influence of Hebrew syntax or vocabulary on another language, such as in translations of the Bible.
  • Scholars identified the unusual sentence structure as a Hebraism, likely a calque from the original Hebrew.

Variants and Related Words

• Hebraic (adj): Of or relating to the Hebrews, their language, or culture.
  • The ceremony has distinct Hebraic origins.
• Hebraist (n): A scholar specializing in Hebrew language and literature.
  • The manuscript was translated by a renowned Hebraist.

Synonyms

• Hebrew idiom: A phrase or expression peculiar to Hebrew.
• Judaism: The monotheistic religion of the Jewish people. (Note: This is a broader, related term for the religious aspect, not a direct synonym for the linguistic sense.)

Related Phrases

• Hebraic turn of phrase: A manner of expression typical of Hebrew.
  • The prophecy contains a Hebraic turn of phrase that is difficult to translate literally.

Noun

1. Jews collectively who practice a religion based on the Torah and the Talmud