Churchly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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churchly

[ˈtʃəːʧli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

religion

Relating to or characteristic of the church, especially the Christian Church.

Synonyms

devotional, ecclesiastical, religious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
churchly	Used to describe something that is related to the traditions, customs, or practices of a church. The priest gave a churchly blessing before the ceremony. The churchly atmosphere was peaceful and serene.
ecclesiastical	Refers to things connected with the Christian Church or its clergy, often in an official or formal capacity. The ecclesiastical council met to discuss the new policies. He is an expert in ecclesiastical law.
religious	A broad term to describe anything related to religion or faith, including beliefs, practices, and institutions. She is a very religious person who attends church every Sunday. They celebrated religious holidays together as a family.
devotional	Used when referring to activities, objects, or feelings related to personal or communal worship or deep religious feeling. She read her devotional book every morning. They attended a devotional service.

Examples of usage

The churchly hierarchy
Churchly traditions and customs
Her churchly duties as a deaconess

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, church structures often represent moral authority and social guidance.
Churches have historically served as community gathering places during festivals and important life events.
Art and architecture in church buildings often reflect the culture and era in which they were built.

Literature

Various works of literature describe churchly settings to convey themes of morality, redemption, and community.
Notable authors like Charles Dickens and Nathaniel Hawthorne used churchly imagery to explore character motives and societal norms.
In poetry, churchly symbols often represent hope, faith, or refuge amidst societal turmoil.

Psychology

Studies show that community connection through churches can enhance mental well-being and provide emotional support.
The churchly experience often fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among individuals, contributing to social identity.
Religious gatherings promote feelings of community and shared values, which can significantly impact individual self-esteem.

Historical Influence

Throughout history, churches played pivotal roles in shaping laws and governance in various societies.
During the medieval period, the church was a powerful institution influencing education, art, and politics.
Churchly leaders and figures often became key influences in historical movements, like the Reformation.

Origin of 'churchly'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'cirice,' which means church and has roots in Greek and Latin.
The suffix 'ly' indicates a characteristic, showing that something is in the manner of a church.
The term began to surface in the English language around the 14th century as churches became central to community life.

The word 'churchly' originates from the Middle English 'chirchly', which is a combination of 'chirche' (church) and the suffix '-ly'. It first appeared in the 14th century and has been used to describe things related to the church ever since.