lord

Everyday

1. A lord is a man of high rank, especially a noble in the UK, and the title for such a man (Lord Smith). tree →
2. A man who has power over others, like a lord in a castle in history. tree →
3. The Lord is a name for God in Christianity. tree →
4. (exclamation) «Lord!» or «Good Lord!» shows surprise or worry; some people find it disrespectful. tree →

In the lessons

Used in history (lords and knights), UK government (the House of Lords), religion and stories (The Lord of the Rings). Phrases: «lord it over someone» (act bossy and superior).

Examples

• The lord lived in a large castle. tree →
• In history, peasants worked the lord's land. tree →
• Good Lord, look at the mess! tree →
• The House of Lords is part of the UK Parliament. tree →
• He lords it over his little brother. tree →
• The Lord of the Rings is a famous book. tree →
• "Glory be to Thee, O Lord! tree →

Note

Capital L for titles and for God. Female equivalent: lady. «Lord it over» is informal and negative. Using «Lord!» as an exclamation can offend religious people.

In Jewish tradition

"LORD" in capitals stands for God's holy name, the four letters Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh. Tradition does not say it aloud and reads "Adonai" (my Lord) instead. A plain "lord" can be a master or a respectful title. The Psalms use "Lord" and "LORD" constantly in praise, blessing and cries for help.

Interpretation. The rabbis teach that the holy name stands for God's mercy and "Elohim" for His justice. Jews say "Adonai" in prayer and "Hashem" (the Name) in everyday speech, out of respect.

Examples

• I am the LORD their God. (Torah EXO.29.46, JPS 1917) tree →
• I wait for Thy salvation, O Lord. (Torah GEN.49.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: (Torah EXO.6.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Awake, why sleepest Thou, O Lord? (Writings PSA.44.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• Blessed be the LORD for evermore. (Writings PSA.89.53, JPS 1917) tree →
• Bless the LORD, O my soul. (Writings PSA.104.1, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Capital L for titles and for God. Female equivalent: lady. «Lord it over» is informal and negative. Using «Lord!» as an exclamation can offend religious people.