Gentile (Adjective)
Meaning
Belonging to or characteristic of non-Jewish peoples.
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The tourist stood out in the Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, wearing clothes typical of the gentile population in other parts of the city.
- Jews who date or marry someone outside of their faith may be part of an intermarriage with a gentile person.
- Ancient Greece and Rome are considered part of gentile cultures in a Jewish historical context.
- At Passover seders, wine cups are also raised to symbolize Elijah, a gentile-friendly hero.
- Christians sometimes misunderstand what parts of their traditions might offend Jews and view as imposing a gentile presence in certain circumstances.