عموماً
The English word "generally" can be translated into Arabic as عموماً.
عموماً means "as a rule" or "usually." It is often used at the beginning of a sentence to set the scope of a statement, similar to how one might use "Generally speaking" in English. You can also use the phrase بشكل عام to express "generally" or "in general," and the term عادة to mean "usually" or "typically."
Meaning: as a rule, usually (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word عموماً is derived from the root ع–م–م (ʿ-m-m), which relates to generality, universality or encompassing everything.
Did you know?
- In Classical Arabic, the root ع–م–م was used to describe the act of covering or overshadowing something. This physical image of 'covering everything' evolved into the abstract meaning of 'generally'.
- The word عموماً can be used to abruptly end a debate or a long explanation, acting as a linguistic signal that 'to summarize everything' follows.
- Using بشكل عام instead of عموماً literally translates to 'in a general shape'. This reveals how Arabic often uses the word for 'shape' or 'form' شكل to express the English concept of 'manner' or 'way'.
Examples in context
- عموماً ، مدّخرات الأفراد في اِزدياد.Generally speaking, savings are increasing.This sentence is useful for showing how to use عموماً to set the scope of a statement about savings.Tatoeba #394965 by saeb, translation #27308 by saeb
- بشكل عام، العلوم مهمة جدًا في حياتناGenerally, science is very important in our lives.
- عادة، يتم تناول الفطور في الصباحGenerally, breakfast is eaten in the morning.
- في العادة، نروح الشاطئ في عطلة نهاية الأسبوعWe usually go to the beach on weekends.
- عموماً، أستيقظ مبكراً في أيام العمل.umuman, astayqidu mubakkiran fi ayyam al-'amal.Generally, I wake up early on workdays.
- الطقس في هذا الفصل جميل عموماً.al-taqsu fi hadha al-fasli jamilun umuman.The weather in this season is generally beautiful.
Example conversation
Sarah and Omar are discussing their daily habits.
- سارة Saraهل تحب القهوة السوداء يا عمر؟hal tuhibbu al-qahwata al-sawda'a ya Omar?Do you like black coffee, Omar?
- عمر Omarعموماً، أفضل القهوة مع الحليب.umuman, ufaddilu al-qahwata ma'a al-halib.Generally, I prefer coffee with milk.
- سارة Saraأنا أيضاً أحبها مع الحليب.ana aydan uhibbuha ma'a al-halib.I also like it with milk.
- عمر Omarهذا رائع، سأطلب واحدة الآن.hadha ra'i', sa-atlubu wahidatan al-an.That's great, I will order one now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
