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עברית
מתים — meaning in English: Dead
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Guess the translation for
Dead
בואו
bo'u
אלי
eli
כאילו
ke'ilu
אל
el
מתים
metim
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neutral
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use the word מתים (metim) in discussions about death, particularly in formal contexts such as healthcare, literature, or religious ceremonies. It may also appear in everyday conversations when talking about the deceased or metaphorically to describe something that is no longer functioning, like a 'dead battery.'
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is מת (mat), which is the past tense form of 'to die' in Hebrew. While מתים (metim) refers specifically to those who are deceased, מת can also imply the action of dying, making it more dynamic. You would choose מתים when referring specifically to those who have passed away rather than discussing the act of dying.
Culture
The word מתים (metim) has deep roots in Hebrew culture, often linked to the religiosity surrounding death and the afterlife in Jewish traditions. Interestingly, it is derived from the root מת (mat), which conveys both the idea of death and the broader concept of mortality. This word not only signifies physical death but also resonates with philosophical discussions about existence and the human experience.
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