לשוא — meaning in English: in vain

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

Guess the translation for in vain

קור

kor

לתוכנית

latokhnit

מתקיימים

mitkaymim

לשוא

lashav

נבון

navon

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'לשוא' (lashav) in contexts where efforts or intentions have led to no result or success. For example, someone might say, 'I studied for hours, but it was all לשוא,' expressing frustration over wasted effort. It can be used in both casual conversations among friends and more serious discussions about projects or goals.

Synonyms & nuances

'לשוא' (lashav) shares similarities with the word 'חינם' (chinam), which means 'for free' or 'without cost.' However, while 'חינם' can imply something offered without charge, 'לשוא' specifically conveys the idea of futility, highlighting the disappointment of efforts that yield no benefit.

Culture

'לשוא' (lashav) originates from the Hebrew root ש-ו-א, which relates to emptiness or futility. Interestingly, the term appears multiple times in Jewish texts, including the Bible, emphasizing the importance of meaningful actions. The phrase has evolved into modern usage, often reflecting a cultural sentiment of striving for meaningful endeavors.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word 'לשוא' mean?

'לשוא' (lashav) translates to 'in vain' in English, implying that efforts or actions have produced no desired outcome.

Q.How do you use 'לשוא' in a sentence?

You can use 'לשוא' in sentences like, 'ניסיתי לדבר איתו, אבל היה לשוא,' which means 'I tried to talk to him, but it was in vain.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'לשוא'?

A common mistake is using 'לשוא' when referring to something that is free. Remember, 'לשוא' specifically refers to efforts that yield no results, while 'חינם' is used for cost-free situations.

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