What does "israelite" mean?
A native or inhabitant of
Israelite
/ˈɪz.ɹi.əˌlaɪt/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A native or inhabitant of
- Grammar: israelite is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: hebrew, biblical, hebraic, israelitic.
- Useful contrasts: Gentile, gentiles, modern.
- Usage evidence: Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.
How to use "israelite"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "israelite" 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
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
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 "israelite" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "israelite" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "israelite" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "hebrew" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "israelite", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A native or inhabitant of
"Celesliall brightnesse ceazed on his face, That did the wondring Israelites amaze, When he returned from that souereigne place, His browes encireled with splendidious rayes."
- 2 a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties wordnet
- 3 A native or inhabitant of (i) the united nation of ancient Israel (under the Judges, and then kings Saul, David and Solomon), or (ii) the later ancient northern kingdom centered in Samaria, distinct from the kingdom of Judah centered in Jerusalem.; the united nation of ancient Israel (under the Judges, and then kings Saul, David and Solomon), or
- 4 a native or inhabitant of the ancient kingdom of Israel wordnet
- 5 A native or inhabitant of (i) the united nation of ancient Israel (under the Judges, and then kings Saul, David and Solomon), or (ii) the later ancient northern kingdom centered in Samaria, distinct from the kingdom of Judah centered in Jerusalem.; the later ancient northern kingdom centered in Samaria, distinct from the kingdom of Judah centered in Jerusalem.
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 A member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and a descendant of Jacob.
- 7 A member of the Jewish people who is neither a cohen nor a Levite.
- 8 A club used as a weapon by the Circumcellions. historical
Adjective
- 1 Of or pertaining to the ancient nation(s) of Israel or its inhabitants. not-comparable
- 2 Of or pertaining to the descendants of the patriarch Jacob. not-comparable, rare
Example
"Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "israelite"?
Common synonyms include: hebrew, biblical, hebraic, israelitic, israelitish, jew.
How do you use "israelite" in a sentence?
Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.
How do you pronounce "israelite"?
Pronounced /ˈɪz.ɹi.əˌlaɪt/.
Etymology
From the Latin Isrāēlīta (“Israelite”), from the Ancient Greek Ἰσρᾱηλῑ́της (Isrāēlī́tēs, “Israelite”), from Ἰσρᾱήλ (Isrāḗl, “Israel”), from the Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yiśrāʼēl, “Israel”); by surface analysis, Israel + -ite.