ashkenazic
|ash-ke-na-zic|
/ˌæʃkəˈnɑːzɪk/
Central/Eastern European Jews and their culture
Etymology
'ashkenazic' originates from Hebrew via Yiddish and Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'Ashkenaz' (Hebrew אַשְׁכְּנַז 'Ashkenaz'), where 'Ashkenaz' was originally a proper name from the Bible later applied to the region associated with Germany and its Jewish communities; English formed the adjective by adding the suffix '-ic'.
'Ashkenaz' (Biblical/Hebrew) passed into Medieval Latin and Yiddish as 'Ashkenaz' (referring to Germany/its Jews); from Yiddish/Medieval usage English formed 'Ashkenazi' and the adjective 'ashkenazic' by the addition of the suffix '-ic'.
Initially it denoted a biblical name/region ('Ashkenaz'); over time it came to mean 'Jews of Germany' and then more broadly 'Jews of central and eastern Europe' and finally 'relating to their rites, customs, language and culture.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is Ashkenazic; a Jew of Ashkenazic (Central/Eastern European) descent.
Several ashkenazics settled in the town during the 19th century.
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Adjective 1
relating to Ashkenazim — Jews of historical Germany and later central/eastern Europe, including their liturgy, customs, language (Yiddish), and cultural practices.
Ashkenazic liturgical customs differ from those of Sephardic communities.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/28 09:25