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Jew

[ joo ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

one of a scattered group of people that traces its descent from the Biblical Hebrews or from postexilic adherents of Judaism; Israelite.
a person whose religion is Judaism.
a subject of the ancient kingdom of Judah.

adjective

Offensive. of Jews; Jewish.

verb (used with object)

jew, Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. to bargain sharply with; beat down in price (often followed by down ).

Jew.

abbreviation for

Jewish.

Jew

/ ��ː /

noun

a member of the Semitic people who claim descent from the ancient Hebrew people of Israel, are spread throughout the world, and are linked by cultural or religious ties
a person whose religion is Judaism

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Sensitive Note

While both the adjective and the verb were once used in a neutral way by Jews and non-Jews, they are now considered problematic and offensive. The adjectival use of Jew, as in the phrase Jew boy, is perceived as insulting; the adjective Jewish should be used instead. The verb jew (down) is also perceived as offensive and antisemitic, because it perpetuates the stereotype of the shrewd Jewish moneylender or haggler.

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Other Word Forms

�Դǲ�-�� noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Jew¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English jewe, giu, gyu, ju, from Old French juiu, juieu, gyu, from Late Latin ��ܻ�ŧ�ܲ�, Latin ��ū�岹��ܲ�, from Greek ��ǳܻ岹î�ǲ�, from Aramaic ��ū��徱, from Hebrew ��ə��ū��ī, derivative of ��ə��ū�� Judah; replacing Old English ��ū��ŧ�� “Jews,” from Late Latin ��ū��ŧ(�ܲ�) + Old English -as, a plural ending

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Jew¹

C12: from Old French juiu, from Latin ��ū�岹��ܲ�, from Greek ioudaios, from Hebrew ��ū��ī, from ��ū�� Judah

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The president of the largest communal body of Jews in the UK has responded to an open letter signed by some of its representatives criticising Israel's offensive in Gaza.

From

Trachtenberg's family, who are Orthodox Jews, had reportedly objected to an autopsy, citing religious reasons.

From

Dozens of members of the largest body representing Jews in the UK have condemned Israel's government for the "heartbreaking war" in Gaza.

From

It accused the party of "scapegoating refugees, asylum seekers, Muslims, Jews and others who do not fit their beliefs".

From

This has coincided with rising frustration among reservists and their families over the cost of ongoing reserve duty along with the government's failure to draft ultra-Orthodox Jews despite the IDF facing shortages of combat soldiers.

From

Jevons Jew-baiting

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