Semitic Meaning in English

word

US

səˈmɪtɪk

suh-MIT-ik

UK

sɪˈmɪtɪk

si-MIT-ik

Definition

Relating to a group of languages that includes Hebrew, Arabic, and Amharic, or to the peoples who historically speak them.

Usage & Nuances

Used mostly in academic, historical, or linguistic contexts. Can be an adjective ('Semitic languages') or a noun ('the Semitic peoples'). Not related to 'anti-Semitic,' which specifically refers to prejudice against Jews.

• Spanish: semítico
• Portuguese (BR): semita
• Portuguese (PT): semita
• Chinese (Simplified): 闪米特的
• Chinese (Traditional): 閃米特的
• Hindi: सेमिटिक
• Arabic: سامية
• Bengali: সেমিটিক - সেমীয়
• Russian: семитский
• Japanese: セム系 - セム語族
• Vietnamese: Xi-mít - Xê-mít (ngôn ngữ)
• Korean: 셈족 - 셈어
• Turkish: Sami - Semitik
• Urdu: سامی
• Indonesian: Semitik

Example Sentences

Hebrew is a Semitic language.

basic

Arabic and Amharic are both Semitic languages.

basic

The museum has a section about Semitic peoples.

basic

Did you know that Maltese is the only official European Union language that's Semitic?

natural

Many Semitic words are found in ancient religious texts.

natural

He's taking a course on Semitic linguistics at university.

natural