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הועיל — meaning in English: Avail

ho'il · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for was useful
למדינה
lamedina
בנויה
bnuya
להסתמך
lehistamekh
הועיל
ho'il
פרסמו
pirsemu
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formal intermediate
Usage
Native speakers often use the word הועיל (ho'il) in formal contexts, such as during business meetings or diplomatic discussions, to express the idea of making use of resources or opportunities. For example, one might say, 'הוא הועיל לכם להתקדם' ('He availed you to advance') when discussing how a particular decision or action facilitated progress.
Synonyms & nuances
While הועיל (ho'il) translates to 'avail,' a similar word is לעזור (la'azor), which means 'to help.' The subtle difference lies in the fact that הועיל emphasizes making something available or accessible, whereas לעזור focuses more on providing assistance, making them appropriate in slightly different contexts.
Culture
The word הועיל (ho'il) comes from the root ע-ו-ל, which conveys the concept of usefulness and benefit. In Jewish texts, the word is often used in legal discussions to indicate that something has been made available for use, reflecting the importance of resourcefulness within the community. This historical context adds depth to its meaning, making it a significant term in both modern and ancient Hebrew literature.
FAQ
Q.What does הועיל mean in English?
The Hebrew word הועיל (ho'il) translates to 'avail' in English, indicating the act of making something available or useful.
Q.How is הועיל used in a sentence?
You might use הועיל in a sentence like, 'השירותים הועילו לרבים מהתושבים' ('The services availed many of the residents'), showcasing its role in expressing utility.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using הועיל?
A common mistake is to confuse הועיל with other synonyms like לעזור. Remember that הועיל specifically relates to making something available, while לעזור is more about providing help.
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