What does "diaspora" mean?
The dispersion of a group in a manner comparable to that of the Jews among the Gentiles after the Babylonian captivity (6th century BCE).
Diaspora
/daɪˈæs.pə.ɹə/ name, noun, slang
name, noun, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The dispersion of a group in a manner comparable to that of the Jews among the Gentiles after the Babylonian captivity (6th century BCE).
- Grammar: diaspora is listed as name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: breakup, demobilization, detachment, disbandment.
- Useful contrasts: aggregation, aliyah, concentration.
- Usage evidence: The era of exploration and colonization of the Solar System lasted five thousand years, like the Austronesian Diaspora in the ancient Pacific.
How to use "diaspora"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "diaspora" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "diaspora" in a final draft.
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 The dispersion of a group in a manner comparable to that of the Jews among the Gentiles after the Babylonian captivity (6th century BCE). collective
"The African diaspora caused a melding of cultures, both African cultures and Western ones, in many places."
- 2 the dispersion or spreading of something that was originally localized (as a people or language or culture) wordnet
- 3 Jews outside of the land of Israel. broadly, informal
- 4 the dispersion of the Jews outside Israel; from the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 587-86 BC when they were exiled to Babylonia up to the present time wordnet
- 5 The regions where such a dispersed group (especially the Jews) resides, taken collectively.
"Jews in the diaspora often have a different perspective on anti-Semitism than Israeli Jews."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 the body of Jews (or Jewish communities) outside Palestine or modern Israel wordnet
- 7 Any dispersion of an originally homogeneous entity, such as a language or culture.
"Small wonder that there should have been in recent years fresh talk of the diaspora of English into several mutually incomprehensible languages"
Proper Noun
- 1 The dispersion of the Jews from the land of Israel.
"According to the still common Israeli definition of a Zionist as one who views the Diaspora negatively and considers the settlement of Jews in Israel as essential, the vast majority of American Jews would not be considered Zionists."
- 2 The Jews so dispersed. collective
- 3 A similar dispersion. broadly
Example
"The era of exploration and colonization of the Solar System lasted five thousand years, like the Austronesian Diaspora in the ancient Pacific."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "diaspora"?
Common synonyms include: breakup, demobilization, detachment, disbandment, disintegration, dismissal.
How do you use "diaspora" in a sentence?
The era of exploration and colonization of the Solar System lasted five thousand years, like the Austronesian Diaspora in the ancient Pacific.
How do you pronounce "diaspora"?
Pronounced /daɪˈæs.pə.ɹə/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
See diaspora.
Etymology 2
From Ancient Greek διασπορᾱ́ (diasporā́, “dispersion”), from διασπείρω (diaspeírō, “to scatter”), from δια- (dia-, prefix indicating motion across or in all directions) + σπείρω (speírō, “to sow”).