ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mary

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈmɛɹi// mary Archaic Slang

n. a very common female name in English-speaking countries. It is often used in religious contexts to refer to the mother of Jesus.

n. a female given name of Hebrew origin. When used in a religious context, it typically refers to the mother of Jesus Christ.


SIMPLE

My grandmother's name is Mary.

CONTEXTUAL

The local church features a beautiful stained-glass window depicting Mary and the infant Jesus.

COMPLEX

Scholars of religious history often examine the various ways Mary has been portrayed in art and literature across different cultures and centuries.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English Marie, from Old French Marie, from Latin Maria, from Ancient Greek Μαρία (María), Μαριάμ (Mariám), from Aramaic מַרְיָם (maryām) or Biblical Hebrew מִרְיָם (miryām), of uncertain meaning (see the Hebrew entry for more). Doublet of Miriam, Marie, Maria, and Mariah.

Etymology 2

From Turkmen Mary.

Usage

As a proper noun, it is almost always capitalized.

Idioms4 entries

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