Church: meaning, definitions and examples
⛪
church
[ tʃəːtʃ ]
place of worship
A building used for public Christian worship.
Synonyms
cathedral, chapel, house of God.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| church |
A general term for a Christian place of worship, suitable for regular, everyday conversation or describing a typical Christian place of gathering.
|
| house of God |
A reverent or formal expression for a place of worship, emphasizing its sacredness. It is often used in religious texts or formal speeches.
|
| chapel |
Refers to a smaller place of worship, often within a larger complex such as a school, hospital, or palace. It denotes a more intimate setting.
|
| cathedral |
Used to describe a large, significant church, typically the principal church of a diocese and presided over by a bishop. It is associated with grandeur and historical importance.
|
Examples of usage
- She goes to church every Sunday.
- The wedding took place in a beautiful old church.
attend religious service
To attend a religious service or perform religious duties.
Examples of usage
- They church every Sunday morning.
- He was churching at the local parish.
Translations
Translations of the word "church" in other languages:
🇵🇹 igreja
🇮🇳 गिरजाघर
🇩🇪 Kirche
🇮🇩 gereja
🇺🇦 церква
🇵🇱 kościół
🇯🇵 教会 (きょうかい)
🇫🇷 église
🇪🇸 iglesia
🇹🇷 kilise
🇰🇷 교회 (교회)
🇸🇦 كنيسة
🇨🇿 kostel
🇸🇰 kostol
🇨🇳 教堂 (jiàotáng)
🇸🇮 cerkev
🇮🇸 kirkja
🇰🇿 шіркеу
🇬🇪 ეკლესია
🇦🇿 kilsə
🇲🇽 iglesia
Etymology
The word 'church' is derived from the Old English word 'cirice' which in turn came from the Greek 'kūriakón' meaning 'of the Lord'. The concept of a church as a place of Christian worship has evolved over centuries, with different architectural styles and traditions. Churches play a central role in many Christian denominations, serving as a place for communal worship, prayer, and religious ceremonies.
See also: churchgoers, churchly.