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שגוי — meaning in English: Erroneous

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

Guess the translation for erroneous / wrong / incorrect
דומים
domim
שגוי
shagui
ביומנו
beyomenu
לתושבים
letoshavim
רעידת
re'idat
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers use the word שגוי (shagui) when discussing mistakes in academic or technical contexts. For example, a teacher might describe a student's incorrect answer on a test as שגוי, or an engineer may refer to a faulty calculation in a report as שגוי when discussing project errors.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is טעות (ta'ut), which means 'mistake.' However, שגוי (shagui) specifically emphasizes the erroneous nature of something that might have been presumed correct, often used in a more formal or technical context. You would choose שגוי when the mistake has implications that call for a more serious acknowledgment.
Culture
The word שגוי (shagui) comes from the root שגג, which means to err or to stumble. This root is significant in Jewish texts, where it often refers to unintentional mistakes in religious laws, highlighting the importance of intention in Jewish culture. It's fascinating to see how a concept of error transcends everyday language and taps into deeper philosophical discussions about human fallibility.
FAQ
Q.What does שגוי mean in English?
The Hebrew word שגוי (shagui) translates to 'erroneous' in English, indicating that something is incorrect or mistaken.
Q.How do you use שגוי in a sentence?
You can use שגוי in a sentence like: 'התגובה שלו הייתה שגויה,' meaning 'His response was erroneous.' This context shows how the word fits in everyday conversation.
Q.Is שגוי used in formal writing?
Yes, שגוי is commonly used in both formal and informal writing. However, it is particularly favored in academic or professional contexts where precision in language is important.
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