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mensch definition

mensch (mens̸h, menc̸h)

noun pl. menschen mensch′en (-ən)

a person, esp. a man, regarded as being honorable, decent, and responsible and having strength of character

Etymology: Yiddish < Ger, person < OHG mannisco, orig., human < mann, man + isc-, -ish

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments (1) Add Your Comment

The word was used in the movie "The Apartment". When Jack Lemmon starts treating Shirley MacLaine with unconditional love and respect, his Yiddish neighbour tells him with great approval: "Now you are a mensch." I had never heard the word before, but the context made its meaning perfectly clear.I have found it very useful from time to time.

Posted by Gordon Pearson 97 days ago.

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