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Breviary: meaning, definitions and examples

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breviary

 

[ ˈbrɛvɪəri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious text

A breviary is a liturgical book used by clergy, containing the daily prayers, hymns, psalms, and readings of the Divine Office. It is essential for the public and private prayer of the Church. Breviaries are often used within the context of the Catholic tradition.

Synonyms

liturgical book, prayer book

Examples of usage

  • The priest recited the prayers from his breviary.
  • She carried her breviary to the chapel every morning.
  • The monastery required that all monks possess a breviary.
  • He consulted the breviary for the proper prayers during the ceremony.

Translations

Translations of the word "breviary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 breviário

🇮🇳 संक्षिप्त विवरण

🇩🇪 Stundenbuch

🇮🇩 breviari

🇺🇦 бревіарій

🇵🇱 brewiarz

🇯🇵 ブレヴィアリ

🇫🇷 bréviaire

🇪🇸 breviario

🇹🇷 breviary

🇰🇷 브레비어리

🇸🇦 بريفاري

🇨🇿 breviář

🇸🇰 breviár

🇨🇳 祷告书

🇸🇮 breviar

🇮🇸 brefíari

🇰🇿 бревиарий

🇬🇪 ბრევიარი

🇦🇿 breviar

🇲🇽 breviario

Etymology

The word 'breviary' comes from the Latin 'breviarium', meaning a summary or compendium. The term originated in the context of Roman Catholic liturgy during the Middle Ages when it became necessary to compile a reference for the various prayers and hymns used in the Divine Office. The development of the breviary was influenced by various monastic traditions, and it became standardized by the Council of Trent in the 16th century. The breviary provides a structured way for clergy to fulfill their liturgical obligation of praying at specific hours of the day, thus enriching the spiritual life of the Church.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,535 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.