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Conventicle: meaning, definitions and examples

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conventicle

 

[ kənˈvɛntɪkəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious gathering

A conventicle is a small, often informal gathering of people for worship or religious purposes, particularly among dissenters who do not attend established churches. Historically, it has referred to secret or unauthorized meetings of religious groups, especially during times of persecution. These gatherings were significant for those seeking spiritual fellowship outside the constraints of established church authorities. Conventicles played a key role in the development of various religious movements, emphasizing the importance of personal faith and community.

Synonyms

assembly, gathering, meeting.

Examples of usage

  • The early dissenters often met in a conventicle to discuss their beliefs.
  • The conventicle was held in a private home to avoid detection.
  • During the Reformation, many found solace in conventicles away from state churches.

Translations

Translations of the word "conventicle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conventículo

🇮🇳 संगठन

🇩🇪 Konventikel

🇮🇩 konventikel

🇺🇦 конвентикль

🇵🇱 konwentykiel

🇯🇵 コンベント

🇫🇷 conventicule

🇪🇸 conventículo

🇹🇷 konventikel

🇰🇷 컨벤티클

🇸🇦 اجتماع سري

🇨🇿 konventikl

🇸🇰 konventikel

🇨🇳 宗教聚会

🇸🇮 konventikel

🇮🇸 samkoma

🇰🇿 конвентикл

🇬🇪 კონვენტიკა

🇦🇿 konventikel

🇲🇽 conventículo

Etymology

The word 'conventicle' originates from the Latin term 'conventiculum,' a diminutive of 'conventus,' meaning 'assembly' or 'meeting.' It came into usage in English around the late 16th century, particularly during the Reformation period when various religious groups sought to gather outside the constraints of the established church. Initially, it was used to describe secret meetings of dissenters or Nonconformists who opposed the state church. As such gatherings were often viewed with suspicion or even persecuted, the term carried connotations of illegitimacy and rebellion. Over time, 'conventicle' became associated with the broader context of religious gatherings that emphasized personal spirituality over formalized worship, thereby influencing various movements within Christianity.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,989 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.