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עברית
מועט — meaning in English: little
mu'at · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
little / few / slight (m.s.)
שינוי
shinui
ששימשה
sheshimsha
שקדמה
shekadma
מועט
mu'at
נאום
ne'um
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neutral
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use the word מועט in both casual and formal settings. For instance, when discussing quantities, one might say 'יש לי מועט של זמן' (I have little time), typically in conversations about schedules or commitments. Additionally, it may appear in literary contexts to describe modest amounts or qualities, such as 'תוכן מועט' (little content) in academic discussions.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym to מועט is קטן (katan), which means 'small.' However, while קטן often refers to physical size, מועט is more abstract, typically relating to amounts or degrees. You might choose מועט when discussing limited resources, whereas קטן would be more suitable for describing the size of an object.
Culture
The word מועט derives from the root מ-ע-ט, which relates to smallness or scarcity, reflecting a broader cultural appreciation for minimalism in certain contexts. Interestingly, the concept of 'little' can carry both positive and negative connotations in Hebrew, depending on the context — for example, it can express humility or the idea of something being lesser, framing the word as both a descriptor of quantity and a nuanced social commentary.
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