Catechism: meaning, definitions and examples

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catechism

 

[ ˈkatɪˌkɪz(ə)m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious education

A catechism is a summary or exposition of doctrine, traditionally used in Christian religious teaching. It typically includes a series of questions and answers, designed to instruct believers in the fundamentals of their faith.

Synonyms

doctrinal manual, religious instruction, teaching tool.

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Word Description / Examples
catechism

Often used in a religious context, especially within Christianity, to refer to a book or set of questions and answers explaining the principles of a faith.

  • The children studied the catechism as part of their religious education
  • The catechism provided clear answers to common questions about the faith
doctrinal manual

Refer to a detailed guide or book that outlines the official doctrines of a religion or belief system. This is typically a comprehensive document used for more serious study or reference.

  • The priests consulted the doctrinal manual to resolve a theological debate
  • The new members of the clergy were required to study the church's doctrinal manual
religious instruction

General term for any teaching or education related to a religion, not necessarily in a question-and-answer format. It can encompass a range of activities from sermons to religious classes.

  • The Sunday school provides religious instruction to young children
  • Many parents prefer to handle religious instruction at home
teaching tool

A broad term that can refer to any resource or material used to facilitate learning. In a religious context, it could be a book, video, or interactive activity designed to teach religious concepts.

  • The interactive app was an effective teaching tool for engaging students in religious studies
  • Teachers often use visual aids as teaching tools to capture attention

Examples of usage

  • The catechism is often used in preparation for First Communion.
  • Children are taught the catechism to help them understand their religion better.

Translations

Translations of the word "catechism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 catecismo

🇮🇳 धर्मप्रश्नावली (dharma prashnavali)

🇩🇪 Katechismus

🇮🇩 katekismus

🇺🇦 катехізис

🇵🇱 katechizm

🇯🇵 教理問答 (kyōri mondō)

🇫🇷 catéchisme

🇪🇸 catecismo

🇹🇷 kateşizm

🇰🇷 교리 문답 (gyori mundap)

🇸🇦 تعليم ديني (ta‘lim dini)

🇨🇿 katechismus

🇸🇰 katechizmus

🇨🇳 教义问答 (jiàoyì wèn dá)

🇸🇮 katekizem

🇮🇸 katekismi

🇰🇿 катехизис

🇬🇪 კატეხიზმო (katekhizmo)

🇦🇿 katekizm

🇲🇽 catecismo

Etymology

The word 'catechism' originated from the Greek word 'katekhizein', which means 'to teach orally'. Catechisms have been used for centuries as a method of instruction in the Christian faith, with the most famous being the 'Catechism of the Catholic Church' published in 1992.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,329, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.