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Samaritan Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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samaritan

[səˈmær.ɪ.tən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

helping others

A person who helps others in need, especially someone who provides assistance or support to those who are suffering or in distress. Samaritans are known for their compassion and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Synonyms

altruist, benefactor, good Samaritan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
samaritan

Refers to a person who helps others generously, often used in modern contexts to describe someone offering help in emergencies or difficult situations.

  • The samaritan stayed with the injured man until the ambulance arrived
good Samaritan

Specifically denotes someone who helps a stranger in need, often in a biblical or moral context, emphasizing their compassionate and selfless act.

  • A good Samaritan stopped to help the elderly woman who had fallen on the sidewalk
benefactor

Refers to a person who provides financial support or other assistance to a person, organization, or cause, commonly used in contexts involving philanthropy or sponsorship.

  • The university was able to build a new library thanks to a generous benefactor
altruist

Describes a person who places the welfare of others before their own, often used in contexts discussing personal virtues or selfless behavior.

  • She is an altruist who spends her weekends volunteering at the homeless shelter

Examples of usage

  • A Samaritan stopped to help the injured driver after the car accident.
  • The Samaritan volunteered at the homeless shelter every weekend.
  • She acted like a true Samaritan by donating to the charity organization.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'Samaritan' comes from a group of people who lived in ancient Samaria, historically linked to compassion and kindness.
  • The famous story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible teaches about helping others, regardless of their background.
  • Samaritans in the past were often marginalized, yet they are depicted as caring individuals in many stories.

Literature

  • The Good Samaritan parable has inspired countless literary works emphasizing altruism and moral duty.
  • Modern literature often references the Samaritan as a symbol of selfless help and community service.
  • Authors use the term to highlight moral dilemmas in their stories, contrasting self-interest with compassion.

Psychology

  • The 'bystander effect' posits that people are less likely to help when others are present, contrasting the ideal Samaritan behavior.
  • Research shows that witnessing acts of kindness can encourage others to act, emulating the Samaritan spirit.
  • Compassionate actions are linked to increased happiness and fulfillment among those who offer help.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'Samaritan' has been used in movies and TV shows to depict characters showcasing extraordinary kindness.
  • Many charitable organizations use the name 'Samaritan' to signify their mission of helping the less fortunate.
  • In contemporary discussions, being a Samaritan symbolizes modern-day heroes, from everyday acts of kindness to major relief efforts.

Education

  • Teaching about Samaritans encourages discussions about empathy, community service, and moral responsibility in schools.
  • In many cultures, stories of Samaritans are used as teaching tools to inspire youth to help those in need.
  • Educational programs often emphasize the importance of being a 'Samaritan' as a way to promote kindness and social responsibility.

Origin of 'samaritan'

The term 'Samaritan' originates from the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, a parable told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. In the story, a Samaritan helps a man who had been beaten and left for dead, highlighting the importance of compassion and kindness towards strangers. Over time, the term has come to symbolize anyone who selflessly helps others in need.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,951, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.