Synonyms for

Semitic

Verb / sʌˈmɪtɪk / Another word for semitic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to or denoting a family of languages that includes Hebrew, Arabic, and Aramaic and certain ancient languages such as Phoenician and Akkadian, constituting the main subgroup of the Afro-Asiatic family.

Synonyms & similar words

semitic semite Afroasiatic Semitic-speaking Arabic Hebrew Aramaic Phoenician Akkadian Syriac Chaldean Ethiopic Canaanite Assyrian Babylonian Mesopotamian

Synonyms by register

Formal

Hebrew Jewish Israelite Aramaic

Antonyms

gentile non-Hebrew non-Jewish pagan heathen uncircumcised

Common collocations

  • Semitic languages
  • Semitic peoples
  • Semitic origin
  • Semitic culture
  • Semitic studies
  • Semitic roots
  • Semitic influence

Word family

noun Semitism
adjective Semitic

Usage note

The term 'Semitic' primarily refers to a language family and the peoples who speak or spoke those languages. It is often used interchangeably with 'Jewish' or 'Hebrew' in historical contexts, but this can be imprecise as the Semitic language family includes languages like Arabic and Aramaic, spoken by non-Jewish peoples.

Example sentences

  1. My friend speaks Semitic languages fluently.
  2. The Semitic language family is very diverse.
  3. Arabic and Hebrew are both Semitic languages.
  4. Many ancient civilizations spoke a Semitic language.
  5. The Semitic peoples are spread throughout the Middle East.

Quotes

  • The Semitic peoples represent a civilization of great antiquity and power.
  • The Semitic languages are a testament to the enduring power of ancient cultures.
  • The Semitic peoples have contributed greatly to the world's cultural heritage.

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