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עברית
הדבר — meaning in English: the thing
hadavar · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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the thing / the object / the item / the matter
הזרות
hazarut
הדבר
hadavar
גלי
galei
במהירות
bimhirut
האלון
ha'alon
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neutral
common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers often use 'הדבר' in everyday conversations to refer to an item or concept when specificity isn't crucial. For example, someone might say, 'הדבר הזה חשוב' (This thing is important) during a casual chat about various topics, or it might pop up in more serious discussions, such as a meeting, where one might refer to an issue or agenda item without naming it directly.
Synonyms & nuances
'הדבר' is a versatile term but is often contrasted with 'עצם' (etzem), which means 'essence' or 'substance.' While 'הדבר' can refer to both tangible and intangible items, 'עצם' leans more towards the fundamental nature of something, making it ideal for philosophical discussions.
Culture
'הדבר' has its roots in ancient Hebrew, where it signified not just a physical object but also abstract concepts and ideas. Interestingly, it also appears in the well-known phrase 'הדבר הגדול' (the big thing), which can imply something of significant importance or relevance in discussions about culture, philosophy, or social issues in Israel today.
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