# Samaritan

/səˈmɛɹɪtən/ (US) · /sɐmˈæɹɪtən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/samaritan
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a helpful person

noun · CEFR B2

someone who helps a person in trouble, especially a stranger who needs help.

For teachers: a person who voluntarily provides help or sympathy to those in distress, particularly strangers.

- A kind samaritan helped me change my flat tyre in the pouring rain.
- The stranger acted as a true samaritan, staying with the injured cyclist until the ambulance arrived at the scene.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'Good Samaritan'.

### 2. the religious/ethnic group

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a member of a specific group of people from the region of Samaria, mentioned in the Bible.

For teachers: a member of an ethnoreligious group of the Levant, descended from ancient Semitic inhabitants of Samaria.

- The history book explained the ancient traditions of the Samaritan people.
- Scholars continue to study the unique liturgical practices that distinguish the Samaritan community from mainstream Judaism.

### 3. helpline volunteer

noun · CEFR C1 · British English

a volunteer who talks to people on the phone who are very sad or feeling hopeless.

For teachers: a volunteer for the Samaritans, a UK-based charity providing emotional support to those in emotional distress or at risk of suicide.

- He spent his Saturday nights working as a Samaritan, listening to people in need.
- After undergoing extensive training, she began her service as a Samaritan to support those struggling with mental health crises.

Teaching tip: In the UK, 'The Samaritans' is a well-known charity; referring to someone as 'a Samaritan' in this context specifically implies they work for this organisation.

### 4. relating to Samaria

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Academic

relating to the people or the region of Samaria.

For teachers: pertaining to Samaria, its inhabitants, or their specific dialect and religious traditions.

- The museum displayed several ancient Samaritan manuscripts.
- The researcher specialised in Samaritan Hebrew, noting its distinct phonological differences from the Tiberian tradition.

## Examples

- A kind samaritan helped me change my flat tire.
- When the elderly woman tripped on the sidewalk, a passing samaritan stopped to help her up and stayed until her daughter arrived.
- The legal system often includes 'Good Samaritan' laws to protect those who provide emergency assistance from being held liable for unintentional injury during the rescue attempt.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.