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עברית
הקדומות — meaning in English: The earliest
hakdumot · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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the ancient (f.pl.)
פיה
piya
הקדומות
hakdumot
המפקדה
hamifkada
משהו
mashehu
בנושאים
benos'im
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neutral
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word הקדומות (hakdumot) in academic discussions about history or archaeology, particularly when referring to ancient artifacts or the earliest civilizations. It can also appear in literature when describing foundational aspects of culture or heritage, such as 'the earliest forms of literature' or 'the earliest settlements in the region.'
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'ראשוניים' (rishoniyim), meaning 'primary' or 'initial.' While both words denote beginnings, הקדומות (hakdumot) specifically emphasizes the aspect of time, referring to something being the earliest, whereas ראשוניים (rishoniyim) can pertain to any primary or essential notion regardless of its temporal context. Choosing hakdumot would be more appropriate when discussing chronological precedence.
Culture
The term הקדומות comes from the root ק-ד-מ, which relates to the concept of 'first' or 'earliest.' In Hebrew culture, recognizing the earliest influences or origins of a practice, tradition, or civilization is significant, especially in discussions surrounding Jewish history and heritage. It's fascinating how this word connects modern conversations back to ancient times, emphasizing the importance of the past in shaping current identities.
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