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עיקרי — meaning in English: main

ikarei · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for highlights / main points
מקל
mekel
עיקרי
ikarei
לאומי
le'umi
מיגון
migun
הענקים
ha'anakim
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neutral common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word עיקרי (ikarei) in both casual conversations and formal discussions to refer to the main point or primary focus of a topic. For instance, you might hear it in a business meeting when discussing the main objectives of a project or in a classroom setting when a teacher emphasizes the key concepts of a lesson.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is המרכזי (hamerkazi), which also means 'central' or 'main'. However, עיקרי (ikarei) often carries a connotation of importance or priority, making it suitable for discussions where emphasis on significance is needed, whereas המרכזי (hamerkazi) might simply denote physical centrality or location.
Culture
The word עיקרי (ikarei) is derived from the root 'עיקר' (ikar), which means 'essence' or 'principle'. This highlights the importance of core ideas in Hebrew culture, where clarity and focus on main themes are valued in communication, especially in educational and professional settings. Interestingly, the word has also been used in various Israeli media, emphasizing the main news stories of the day.
FAQ
Q.What does עיקרי mean in English?
The Hebrew word עיקרי (ikarei) translates to 'main' in English, indicating something that is primary or of significant importance.
Q.How do I use עיקרי in a sentence?
You can use עיקרי (ikarei) in sentences like: 'הנושא העיקרי בפגישה הוא תקציב.' (The main topic of the meeting is the budget.)
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using עיקרי?
A common mistake is using עיקרי (ikarei) in contexts where a different nuance is required. For example, if referring to something that is merely central rather than of main importance, the word המרכזי (hamerkazi) would be more appropriate.
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