רעה — meaning in English: evil

ra'a · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for bad (f.s.) / grazed (sheep) (m.s.)

וחיות

vekhayut

רעה

ra'a

בעונת

be'onat

המונים

hamonim

במונחים

bamunakhim

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word רעה in discussions about moral values, ethics, or when describing negative actions or events. For instance, in a conversation about a troubling news story, one might refer to the actions of a perpetrator as רעה to emphasize their malicious nature.

Synonyms & nuances

While רעה translates to 'evil,' a close synonym is רשע (rasha), which specifically refers to a wicked person. You would use רעה to describe an abstract concept of evil, while רשע focuses more on the character of a person exhibiting those traits.

Culture

The word רעה has its roots in Biblical Hebrew, where it is frequently associated with moral wrongdoing and has been used in religious texts to describe sin and malevolence. This connection gives the term a weighty cultural significance, as it reflects a longstanding concern within Jewish thought about the nature of evil and its impact on society.

FAQ

Q.What does רעה mean in English?

The Hebrew word רעה translates to 'evil' in English, indicating moral wrongdoing or malevolence in various contexts.

Q.How is רעה used in sentences?

You might say, 'The news described a רעה act committed by the villain in the story,' highlighting the immoral nature of the action.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using רעה?

A common mistake is confusing רעה with רשע. Remember that רעה speaks to the concept of evil, while רשע refers to an evil person. Use them according to whether you are discussing the nature of an act or the character of an individual.

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