samaritan

/sə'mæritn/

Thân thiện

A kind samaritan helps a traveler with a flat tire on a country road.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of the people inhabiting Samaria in biblical times: A Samaritan is a person belonging to an ancient people who lived in the region of Samaria, as described in the Bible.
   • A charitable or helpful person: By extension, a Samaritan is someone who is very generous and willing to help others, especially strangers in distress. This meaning originates from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Historical/Religious Context):
  • The parable tells of a Samaritan who helped a wounded traveler.
  • In the New Testament, Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman at the well.
• Noun (Modern, Figurative Context):
  • A kind samaritan stopped to help me change my flat tire.
  • The lost child was found safe, thanks to an anonymous samaritan.

Advanced Usage

• "Good Samaritan": This is a fixed phrase used to describe a person who selflessly helps someone in need, often a stranger. It is directly derived from the biblical story.
  • The law offers some protection to Good Samaritans who provide emergency assistance.
  • We need more Good Samaritans in our community.

Variants and Related Words

• Samaritanism (n): The practices, beliefs, or character associated with Samaritans, either historically or in the modern figurative sense of helpfulness.
  • His actions were a true example of modern Samaritanism.

Synonyms

• Helper: A person who helps.
• Benefactor: A person who gives money or other help.
• Altruist: A person who shows selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Related Phrases

• Play the Good Samaritan: To act as a helpful, charitable person in a specific situation.
  • He played the Good Samaritan and drove the elderly lady to the hospital.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a member of the people inhabiting Samaria in biblical times

Từ đồng nghĩa

• samaritan