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לענות — meaning in English: to answer

le'anot · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to torture / to torment
הגדרות
hagdarot
לענות
le'anot
אף
af
אחיד
akhid
החליט
hekhlit
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers of Hebrew use the word לענות (le'anot) in various situations such as in conversation when responding to questions or addressing someone’s concerns. It's common in both casual discussions among friends and more serious settings like interviews or academic discussions, where providing a clear answer is essential.
Synonyms & nuances
While לענות (le'anot) specifically means 'to answer', another word, להשיב (lehashiv), also means 'to respond' but is often used in more formal contexts. You'd choose לענות in everyday conversations, while להשיב might be more appropriate in written communication or formal situations.
Culture
The Hebrew word לענות comes from the root ע-נ-ה (a-n-h), which relates to the concept of responding or replying. This root is significant in Hebrew, as it encompasses various forms of communication, including giving answers, making replies, and even responding to God in Jewish prayers. This connection to spirituality adds a layer of cultural depth to the word.
FAQ
Q.How do you pronounce לענות?
The word לענות is pronounced as 'le'anot'. It's important to stress the second syllable for correct pronunciation.
Q.What is an example sentence using לענות?
You can say, 'אני צריך לענות על השאלה הזאת' which translates to 'I need to answer this question.' This showcases its practical use in daily conversation.
Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word לענות?
A common mistake is confusing לענות with לתת (latet), which means 'to give'. Remember, לענות specifically refers to providing an answer rather than giving something.
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