ge

Everyday

1. «Ge» is not an English word on its own. It is a piece of a longer word, for example «age», «gem» or «get». tree →
2. Ge is the chemistry symbol for germanium, a grey element used in electronics. tree →
3. GE can stand for General Electric, an American company, or for «general election» in news talk. tree →
4. In Greek myths, Ge (also Gaia) is the goddess of the Earth (a name). tree →

In the lessons

In phonics, «ge» at the end of a word often sounds like /j/: page, huge, cage. «g» before «e» is often soft (gem, gentle), though not always (get, give).

Examples

• In «page», the letters «ge» make a /j/ sound. tree →
• Ge is the symbol for germanium on the periodic table. tree →
• Words like «huge» and «cage» end in «ge». tree →
• The Greeks called the Earth goddess Ge or Gaia. tree →
• Our fridge was made by GE. tree →
• «Ge» at the start of «gentle» sounds soft. tree →
• Thus came into being the two first great primeval deities of the Greeks, Uranus and Ge or Gaea. tree →

Note

A fragment or symbol, not a word. Spelling tip: «-ge» gives a soft g; «-gue» or «-g» keeps it hard (league, bag).

In Jewish tradition

Here it is part of a place name, Ge-harashim, "valley of craftsmen." It is not a word on its own.

Interpretation. The Chronicles list many family names and places. Tradition reads these lists as proof that Israel's people and trades had a lasting history.

Examples

• And Meonothai begot Ophrah; and Seraiah begot Joab the father of Ge-harashim; for they were craftsmen. (Writings 1CH.4.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A fragment or symbol, not a word. Spelling tip: «-ge» gives a soft g; «-gue» or «-g» keeps it hard (league, bag).