Consecrate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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consecrate
[หkษหnsษชหkreษชt ]
Definition
religious ceremony
Consecrate means to make something sacred or to set it apart for a religious purpose. This often involves a formal ceremony or ritual. It is a way of dedicating or sanctifying something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| consecrate |
Use 'consecrate' in formal religious contexts when dedicating something or someone for a sacred purpose.
|
| bless |
Use 'bless' in religious or spiritual contexts when invoking divine favor or expressing gratitude.
|
| sanctify |
Use 'sanctify' in religious or moral contexts when making something holy or free from sin.
|
| hallow |
Use 'hallow' in literary or religious contexts when referring to something made holy or revered.
|
Examples of usage
- During the consecration of the church, the bishop blessed the altar.
- The priest consecrated the bread and wine during the Eucharist.
- After the ceremony, the temple was consecrated as a place of worship.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Religious Significance
- In many religious traditions, consecration involves rituals such as prayers, blessings, and offerings to dedicate a place or object.
- The consecration of churches is a significant event in Christianity, symbolizing that the space is now holy and fit for worship.
Cultural Practices
- Various cultures have their own ceremonies for consecrating land or buildings, often involving community participation.
- In Hinduism, consecrating an idol involves rituals like prana pratishta, where life force is believed to be infused into the idol.
Psychological Aspects
- Consecration can induce feelings of reverence and peace, affecting mental well-being and community bonding.
- Creating a consecrated space can help individuals feel more connected to their traditions and inner selves.
Literature
- The theme of consecration appears in many literary works where characters seek to transform spaces or objects into symbols of hope and faith.
- In Shakespeareโs plays, consecration often symbolizes the sanctity of marriage or honor, reflecting societal values.
Origin of 'consecrate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'consecratus', which means 'to make sacred'.
- It combines 'con-' (together) and 'sacrare' (to make sacred), highlighting the idea of setting something apart for special purposes.
The word 'consecrate' has its origins in Latin, from the word 'consecratus', which means 'devoted' or 'dedicated'. It has been used in religious contexts for centuries to describe the act of making something sacred or holy. The concept of consecration is found in various religious traditions around the world, where objects, places, or individuals are set apart for divine purposes.
See also: consecrated, consecration.