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Gentile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gentile

[dʒɛnˈtaɪl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

religion context

A Gentile is a term used in Judaism to refer to a person who is not Jewish. In this context, it signifies those who belong to nations other than Israel and are not part of the Jewish faith or people. The term can also reflect the relationship Jews have with non-Jews, sometimes carrying cultural or historical implications. Additionally, in a broader sense, it is sometimes employed to describe non-religious individuals in a general context.

Synonyms

gentil, heathen, non-Jew.

Examples of usage

  • In ancient times, many Gentiles were curious about Jewish traditions.
  • The church welcomed both Jews and Gentiles into its community.
  • She often discussed her interest in Gentile cultures.
  • Many Gentiles participated in the festival.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religious Context

  • In Christianity, the term is used widely to describe non-Jews, especially in the context of spreading the gospel.
  • Many religious texts differentiate between Jewish people and gentiles, influencing interfaith relations throughout history.

Cultural Implications

  • Historically, gentiles were often portrayed in Jewish texts in ways that could be either respectful or critical, depending on the context.
  • In contemporary society, understanding and dialogues between gentiles and Jews are essential for fostering mutual respect and cultural exchange.

Use in Literature

  • The term appears in various literary works, particularly in discussions or narratives about cultural identity.
  • Authors like Sholem Aleichem and Philip Roth explored the interactions between Jewish characters and gentiles, highlighting themes of belonging.

Modern Usage

  • In contemporary discussions, the word 'gentile' is sometimes used in sociopolitical contexts, influencing debates on social inclusion and identity.
  • Some individuals embrace the term as a neutral descriptor, while others may find it outdated or pejorative, depending on the source.

Origin of 'gentile'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'gentilis', which means 'of a clan or tribe', originally referring to non-Romans.
  • In medieval times, 'gentile' started to be used specifically to refer to people outside of Jewish communities.

The term 'Gentile' originates from the Latin word 'gentilis,' which means 'of or belonging to a clan or tribe.' In ancient Rome, it was used to denote members of a particular group or nation. The term was later adopted into the Christian context to refer to those who were not part of the Jewish community, thus marking a significant division in religious and cultural identity. In the Hebrew Bible, the equivalent word is 'Goy,' which also means nation and is used to describe non-Israelite peoples. Over the centuries, the term 'Gentile' has evolved, reflecting the changing perceptions and relationships between Jewish and non-Jewish communities.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,122, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.