H1639 גָּרַע gâraʻ → Root

3 languages

Root of the גרע gâraʻ family (2 members).

To decrease or diminish, to take away or subtract from a quantity, amount, or status; to reduce, withhold, or take away a portion or share, often in legal, ritual, or narrative contexts. Used for literal subtraction (quantities, resources) as well as metaphorical diminution (social status, rights, blessings).

Etymology From the root גָּרַע, which at the root level means 'to diminish, reduce, cut back.' The derived verb form continues this core sense, generally referring to the act of lessening, reducing, or subtracting in various contexts. No solid evidence of an older etymology; the root clearly denotes 'making smaller' in contrast to roots expressing 'increase' (e.g., יסף, רבה).

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Chichewa -khalira to reserve for oneself, keep for oneself -khala- ~ -gara-
Kinyarwanda kwicarira to keep for oneself, put aside for oneself -icara-
Shona garira to reduce for oneself, allocate a smaller share garir-

Family members (1)

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

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