Word a Day
shibboleth
What does shibboleth mean?
shibboleth (noun): a particular pronunciation or custom that is regarded as distinguishing members of a group from non-members, especially when used as a test.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you pronounce shibboleth?
/ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.
Where does shibboleth come from?
Learned borrowing from Biblical Hebrew שִׁבֹּלֶת / שיבולת (šibbṓleṯ, “ear or stream, torrent”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Test yourself: do you know “shibboleth”?
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What does “shibboleth” mean?
temporary cessation from activity to rest and recover, especially in the form of sleep; rest; an instance of this; a break, a rest; a sleep
Not quite: that's what repose means.
the fervor or tireless devotion for a person, cause, or ideal and determination in its furtherance; diligent enthusiasm; powerful interest
Not quite: that's what zeal means.
a particular pronunciation or custom that is regarded as distinguishing members of a group from non-members, especially when used as a test
Right! That's what “shibboleth” means.
a lightness of manner or speech, frivolity; flippancy; a lack of appropriate seriousness; an inclination to make a joke of serious matters
Not quite: that's what levity means.
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