להתעלם — meaning in English: ignore

lehit'alem · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to ignore

התנהגותו

hitnahaguto

להתעלם

lehit'alem

וקבע

vekeva

בשריפה

basrefa

נפגש

nifgash

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informal common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers often use 'להתעלם' in everyday conversations when discussing social situations, such as ignoring someone's rude comment or dismissing distractions while studying. It's common in both casual chats among friends and more serious discussions about interpersonal relationships.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'להתעלם' directly translates to 'ignore,' another common word is 'לזלזל' (lazalzel), which means 'to belittle' or 'to scorn.' The nuance lies in the intent; 'להתעלם' is simply to overlook, while 'לזלזל' implies a dismissive attitude that is more derogatory.

Culture

'להתעלם' has roots in the Hebrew verb 'עלם' which means 'to be hidden or concealed.' This reflects a fascinating cultural aspect where ignoring something is akin to rendering it invisible. Interestingly, in Israeli culture, ignoring someone can be a powerful statement of disapproval or rejection, often carrying more weight than direct confrontation.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 'להתעלם'?

'להתעלם' is pronounced as 'lehit'alem.' Breaking it down, 'lehit' refers to the reflexive form, and 'alem' relates to ignoring, making it a clear verb choice for expressing the act of ignoring.

Q.Can 'להתעלם' be used in a formal setting?

While 'להתעלם' is primarily informal, it can be used in neutral contexts as well. For instance, in a meeting, one might say, 'אני מתכוון להתעלם מההערות' (I intend to ignore the comments) when addressing distractions.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 'להתעלם'?

'להתעלם' is often confused with 'להתעלל' (to abuse). It's crucial to remember that 'להתעלם' is strictly about ignoring, whereas 'להתעלל' carries a much darker connotation and should be used with caution.

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