H1214 בָּצַע bâtsaʻ → Root

4 languages

Root of the בצע bâtsaʻ family (2 members).

To cut, break off, or sever, especially with the connotation of taking something by force or for personal gain, often implying plundering, seizing loot, or acting for selfish profit. In figurative or derived usage, to act in a covetous or greedy manner, or to obtain wealth unjustly. Occasionally, intransitive sense of bringing something to an end or being cut off. The primary sense is that of violent or forceful appropriation.

Etymology Root: בָּצַע (ב-צ-ע). The root fundamentally means 'to cut or break off.' The verb developed to signify not only the act of physically dividing or cutting, but also, by metaphorical extension, acquiring something by seizing or appropriating it, especially with implication of greed or injustice. From this root, it came to be associated with plundering, robbery, or acting with selfish ambition for material gain.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Bemba bepa to cheat, defraud, lie bep
Chichewa bepa to cheat, trick, deceive -bepa
Lamba beepa to cheat, deceive -bepa
Tonga (Zambia) bepa to cheat, deceive, trick -bepa

Family members (1)

Lexemes that inherit from this canonical via the SilexRoot family or an additional inheritance edge. Tags show the cognate-propagation status.

  • H1215 בֶּצַע betsaʻ unset

    Material profit acquired through illicit, dishonest, or violent means; can denote unjust gain, profit from exploitation,

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