What does "james" mean?
The twentieth book of the New Testament of the Bible, the general epistle of James.
James
/d͡ʒeɪmz/ name
name ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The twentieth book of the New Testament of the Bible, the general epistle of James.
- Grammar: james is listed as name.
- Nearest alternatives: apostle james, family name, forename, jack.
- Useful contrasts: forename.
- Usage evidence: James had a great fear of making mistakes in class and being reprimanded.
How to use "james"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "james" 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 "james" 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 "james" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "james" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
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 "james" is acting as name 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 "apostle james" 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.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "james", 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
Proper Noun
- 1 The twentieth book of the New Testament of the Bible, the general epistle of James. countable, uncountable
- 2 One of two Apostles, James the Greater and James the Less, often identified with James, brother of Jesus. countable, uncountable
"Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him."
- 3 A male given name from Hebrew popular since the Middle Ages. Also a common middle name. countable, uncountable
"[…] And Normans call me James Fitz-James. / Thus watch I o'er insulted laws, / Thus learn to right the injured cause. […]"
- 4 An English surname originating as a patronymic. countable, uncountable
- 5 A placename; An unincorporated community in Jones County, Georgia, United States. countable, uncountable
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 A placename; An unincorporated community in Plymouth County, Iowa, United States. countable, uncountable
- 7 A placename; A township in Timiskaming District, north-eastern Ontario, Canada. countable, uncountable
- 8 A placename; Former name of Santiago: an island of Galapagos, Ecuador. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"James had a great fear of making mistakes in class and being reprimanded."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "james"?
Common synonyms include: apostle james, family name, forename, jack, jaime, jimmie.
How do you use "james" in a sentence?
James had a great fear of making mistakes in class and being reprimanded.
How do you pronounce "james"?
Pronounced /d͡ʒeɪmz/.
Etymology
The English New Testament form of Jacob, from Middle English James, from Old French James, from Vulgar Latin Iacomus, spoken and altered pronunciation of Latin Iacobus, from Ancient Greek Ἰάκωβος (Iákōbos), from Ἰακώβ (Iakṓb), from Hebrew יַעֲקֹב (Yaʿăqōḇ). Doublet of Jacques, Jacob, Iago, Jago, Yago, Hamish, Seamus, Tiago, and Santiago. In reference to the Ecuadorian island, a modification of the earlier name Duke of York's Island after its eponymous duke's coronation as James II of England. See Occitan Jacme for an intermediary between Old French James and Catalan Jaume.