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ז״ל. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
ז״ל, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
ז״ל in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
ז״ל you have here. The definition of the word
ז״ל will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
ז״ל, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Hebrew
Etymology 1
A shorthand way of writing זכרונו\ה\ם\ן לברכה (zikhronó/á/ám/án livrakhá) or זכרו\ה\ם\ן לברכה (zikhró/á/ám/án livrakhá), both of which mean “may his/her/their memory be a blessing”.
Pronunciation
See usage notes below.
Adjective
ז״ל • (Z.L.)
- Of blessed memory, may he/she/they rest in peace; used after a reference to one or more deceased people.
Usage notes
- The abbreviation ז״ל is usually read out as the words it stands for (see etymology above). This means that its pronunciation depends on whether the referent is a woman, a man, multiple women, or a group of people including at least one man. It is, however, sometimes also pronounced /zal/.
Derived terms
See also
Etymology 2
Abbreviation of זֶה לְשׁוֹנוֹ (literally “this is his language”).
Pronunciation
Pronounced as the words it abbreviates.
Phrase
ז״ל • (ze l'shono)
- Used to indicate the start of a direct quotation.
Usage notes
- The quotation is often capped off with עכ״ל.