ruth

/ru:θ/

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The word "ruth" has a few different meanings and can be understood in various contexts. Here’s a breakdown suitable for a new English learner:

Basic Definition:

1. Ruth (noun): In a religious context, "Ruth" refers to a book in the Old Testament of the Bible. It tells the story of a woman named Ruth who was not originally from Israel but married an Israelite man. After her husband died, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, showing loyalty and devotion.

2. Feeling of Sympathy: The word "ruth" can also mean a feeling of compassion or sorrow for someone else's misfortunes. For example, when we feel sad for someone who is going through a difficult time.

Usage Instructions:

• When you use "Ruth" to refer to the biblical character or the book, you should capitalize the first letter: "Ruth."
• When using "ruth" to express sympathy, it is often used in the phrase "no ruth," meaning a lack of compassion.

Example Sentences:

1. Biblical Context: "In the Bible, Ruth showed great loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi."
2. Sympathy Context: "He felt no ruth for those who were suffering because he was only focused on himself."

Advanced Usage:

• The name "Ruth" has historical significance as it is also the name of the great-grandmother of King David, a key figure in the Bible. In literature and discussions, referencing Ruth often symbolizes loyalty and kindness.

Word Variants:

• Ruthless (adjective): This word comes from the root "ruth" and means having no compassion or pity. For example, "The ruthless business tactics hurt many employees."
• Ruthlessness (noun): The quality of being ruthless. For example, "His ruthlessness in negotiations shocked everyone."

Different Meanings:

• The name "Ruth" can also refer to the famous American baseball player Babe Ruth, known for his impressive home run record. When someone mentions "Ruth" in a sports context, they are likely referring to him.

Synonyms:

• For the feeling of sympathy: pity, compassion, sorrow, empathy.
• For "ruthless": merciless, cruel, heartless.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "No ruth": This phrase means to have no compassion or mercy. For example, "He showed no ruth when he fired his employees without notice."
• There are no common phrasal verbs that specifically use "ruth."

Summary:

"Ruth" can refer to a biblical figure known for her loyalty and compassion, a feeling of sympathy for others, or a famous baseball player.

Academic

Noun

1. a book of the Old Testament that tells the story of Ruth who was not an Israelite but who married an Israelite and who stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi after her husband died
2. a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
   • the blind are too often objects of pity
3. the great-grandmother of king David whose story is told in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament
4. United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

Synonyms

• Ruth
• Book of Ruth
• commiseration
• pity
• pathos
• Babe Ruth
• George Herman Ruth
• Sultan of Swat