Aramaic
|a-ra-ma-ic|
/ˌærəˈmeɪɪk/
language or things of the Arameans (Aram)
Etymology
'Aramaic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'Aramaïkos' (Ἀραμαϊκός), which referred to the Aramaic language.
'Aramaïkos' passed into Late Latin and Medieval Latin as 'Aramaeus/Aramaica' and entered English via French and Latin forms to become 'Aramaic' in modern English.
Initially, it meant 'of Aram' or 'of the Arameans' (i.e., pertaining to the people/region of Aram); over time it came to denote specifically the language(s) and script associated with those people, and later the broader family of related languages and dialects.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a family of Northwest Semitic languages historically spoken across the Near East; also used for specific ancient or modern varieties (e.g., Imperial Aramaic, Biblical Aramaic, Modern Aramaic dialects).
Scholars study Aramaic to understand ancient Near Eastern texts.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the specific written language or script form used in certain historical documents (for example, the Aramaic portions of the Bible or inscriptions).
The inscription was carved in Aramaic script.
Adjective 1
relating to the Aramaic language, its speakers (the Arameans), their literature, or their script.
Researchers published a paper on Aramaic grammar.
Last updated: 2026/01/02 07:13