יָרִיב
yarívmasculine
The Hebrew word for adversary is יָרִיב (yarív). Wiktionary also lists אוֹיֵב (oyév).
Meaning: opponent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| יָרִיב | yarív | masculine |
| אוֹיֵב | oyév | masculine |
יָרִיב refers to a competitor or opponent in a contest, debate or legal setting.
Which one should you use?
יָרִיב is a neutral term for an opponent or competitor in a contest or debate. In contrast, אוֹיֵב carries a much stronger connotation of a person or entity that is hostile or an enemy, rather than just a competitor.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is יָרִיב. To refer to a female adversary, use the feminine form יְרִיבָה. The masculine plural form of יָרִיב is יְרִיבִים. The masculine plural form of אוֹיֵב is אוֹיְבִים.
How do you pronounce it?
yarív
Did you know?
- In sports broadcasting, a commentator will call the opposing team היריב (the adversary) even if the match is extremely aggressive or hostile.
- The root of יָרִיב also forms the word ריב, which in modern Hebrew refers to a 'quarrel' but in Biblical Hebrew often referred to a formal 'lawsuit'.
- While both mean adversary, the word אוֹיֵב is frequently used in religious texts and liturgical poetry to describe spiritual forces or the concept of 'evil' itself.
Examples in context
- הוּא יָרִיב קָשֶׁה בַּתַּחֲרוּת.hu yariv kashe ba-tachrut.He is a tough opponent in the competition.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “adversary” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
