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adam

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈædəm// adam Humorous Slang

n. the first man created by God in the Bible. People also use the name in common phrases to talk about a person's basic human nature.

n. the first human being in the creation narratives of the Abrahamic religions. Often used in idiomatic expressions to refer to the fundamental or unrefined nature of humanity.


SIMPLE

The story of Adam and Eve is found in the Book of Genesis.

CONTEXTUAL

The old Adam in him wanted to shout back, but he chose to remain calm and professional.

COMPLEX

Theological debates often center on the fall of Adam and its implications for the moral condition of all subsequent generations.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English Adam, from Old English Adam, from Latin Adam, Adamus, from Ancient Greek Ἀδάμ (Adám), Ἄδαμος (Ádamos), from Biblical Hebrew אָדָם (adam, “earth, man, soil, light brown”), from אדמה (adamah, “red earth, ground”).

Usage

When referring to the biblical figure, it is a proper noun and always capitalized.

Idioms3 entries

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