Jew: meaning, definitions and examples
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jew
[ dʒuː ]
ethnic group
A Jew is a member of the Jewish people, an ethnoreligious group originating from the ancient Hebrews and Israelite tribes. The term can also refer to someone who practices Judaism, the religion associated with the Jewish people.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He identifies as a Jew.
- The festival is important to all Jews.
- She is a Jew by birth.
- The community is primarily composed of Jews.
Translations
Translations of the word "jew" in other languages:
🇵🇹 judeu
🇮🇳 यहूदी
🇩🇪 Jude
🇮🇩 Yahudi
🇺🇦 єврей
🇵🇱 Żyd
🇯🇵 ユダヤ人
🇫🇷 juif
🇪🇸 judío
🇹🇷 Yahudi
🇰🇷 유대인
🇸🇦 يهودي
🇨🇿 Žid
🇸🇰 Žid
🇨🇳 犹太人
🇸🇮 Jude
🇮🇸 Gyðingur
🇰🇿 еврей
🇬🇪 იუდეველი
🇦🇿 yəhudi
🇲🇽 judío
Etymology
The term 'Jew' originates from the Old French word 'jue', which referred to a member of the Jewish faith or ethnic group. This, in turn, derives from the Latin 'Iudaeus' and the Greek 'Ioudaios', both referring to the people of Judea, a region around Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for Jew, 'Yehudi', means 'from the tribe of Judah', one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over centuries, the term evolved and was used in various contexts, linking not only to the religious practices of Judaism but also to the cultural and social identity of the Jewish people. As we entered the medieval period, 'Jew' began to take on more complex meanings, often associated with particular stereotypes and roles within European societies. Today, it is widely recognized as an identifier of both ethnicity and faith, encompassing a rich history of cultural heritage, traditions, and resilience.