מפעיל — meaning in English: sets off

maf'il · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for operates / operator (m.s.)

מפעיל

maf'il

הפה

hape

מדבר

midbar

השפעה

hashpa'a

לשלום

leshalom

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neutral common

Usage

The word מפעיל (maf'il) is commonly used in both everyday conversations and technical contexts. For instance, you might hear it when discussing starting a machine or setting off fireworks during celebrations, reflecting its practical usage in both casual and more formal situations.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'מפעיל' (mefa'el), which means 'activator' or 'operator.' While מפעיל focuses on the action of setting something off, מְפַעֵל emphasizes the role of a person or thing that initiates that action, making the choice context-dependent.

Culture

The term מפעיל (maf'il) is derived from the root פ-ע-ל, which relates to action or activity in Hebrew. Interestingly, in various contexts, it can denote not just the act of setting off something, but also activating processes, reflecting a dynamic aspect of Hebrew—where words often convey a sense of movement and change.

FAQ

Q.What does מפעיל mean in English?

מפעיל (maf'il) translates to 'sets off' in English. It can refer to initiating a variety of actions, from devices to events.

Q.How do you use מפעיל in a sentence?

You can use מפעיל in sentences like 'המפעיל של המחשב עובד בצורה טובה' (The operator of the computer works well) or 'הוא מפעיל את המוזיקה' (He sets off the music).

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using מפעיל?

A common mistake is confusing מפעיל with related words that imply different nuances. Ensure you're using it in contexts where an action or initiation is taking place, rather than substituting it for synonyms that imply different roles or functions.

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