H1891 הָבַל hâbal → Root

2 languages

Root of the הבל hâbal family (3 members).

To be empty or vain, to lack substance or result; to act or speak in a futile, inconsequential, or deceptive manner. The verb can express the state or action of being worthless, ineffective, or unsubstantial, and also carries the nuance of leading others astray through empty promises or deceitful actions.

Etymology Root: הבל. The root fundamentally conveys the quality of emptiness or vapor-like insubstantiality. The verb derives from the core notion of 'emptiness' or 'vanity,' but in usage it denotes a state or action—such as speaking or acting—in ways that are futile or deceptive. It is related to the noun הֶבֶל (hevel), meaning 'vapor,' 'breath,' or 'emptiness.'

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Kikuyu bure useless, worthless, in vain -bure/-bule
Swahili bule in vain, empty, fruitless, for nothing b-l

Family members (2)

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

  • H1892 הֶבֶל hebel unset

    Breath, vapor, that which quickly passes or lacks substance; by extension, something fleeting, futile, insubstantial, or

  • H1893 הֶבֶל Hevel unset

    Proper name designating 'Hebel,' the second son of Adam and Havvah (Eve), whose narrative is central in Genesis 4. The p

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