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Incensing: meaning, definitions and examples

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incensing

 

[ ɪnˈsɛnsɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

burning substance

Incensing refers to the act of burning incense, which is often used in religious or spiritual contexts to create a fragrant atmosphere, purify a space, or enhance rituals. It is a practice seen across various cultures and religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism. The process involves the use of aromatic biotic materials, often combined with essential oils, which release fragrant smoke when burned. Incensing can also be associated with meditation and prayer as it is believed to aid in focusing thought and intention.

Synonyms

fumigation, purification, scenting

Examples of usage

  • The monks began incensing the temple during the morning prayers.
  • Incensing the altar was part of the ritual that followed the sermon.
  • During the ceremony, incensing filled the air with a soothing aroma.
Context #2 | Verb

burn incense

To incense means to burn incense or to cause a fragrant smoke to rise from a substance. This can involve a variety of aromatic materials, such as resins and herbs, and is often performed during spiritual or ceremonial occasions. The act of incensing can enhance the ambiance of a space, promote relaxation, and aid in meditation practices. Additionally, it can symbolize the offering of prayers or intentions.

Synonyms

fragrance, perfume, scent

Examples of usage

  • The priest was incensing the congregation with perfumed smoke.
  • She started incensing the room to prepare it for the meditation session.
  • Incensing the shrine every morning is part of his daily routine.

Translations

Translations of the word "incensing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incensação

🇮🇳 धूप देना

🇩🇪 Inzenzierung

🇮🇩 pembakaran dupa

🇺🇦 обкурювання

🇵🇱 kadzidło

🇯🇵 香を焚くこと

🇫🇷 encens

🇪🇸 incensación

🇹🇷 tütsüleme

🇰🇷 향을 피우는 것

🇸🇦 تبخير

🇨🇿 vůně

🇸🇰 vôňa

🇨🇳 焚香

🇸🇮 kadi

🇮🇸 reykelsi

🇰🇿 ладан жағу

🇬🇪 წიწვის დამწვრობა

🇦🇿 qoxma

🇲🇽 incensación

Etymology

The word 'incensing' derives from the Middle English term 'incens', which comes from the Old French 'encens', and originally from the Latin 'incensum', the neuter of 'incensus', meaning 'to burn'. This reflects its connection to the burning of aromatic substances for ceremonial or religious purposes. The practice of incensing can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where smoke from burning incense was used in rituals to connect the earthly and divine realms. As cultures evolved, so did the applications and meanings of incensing, often associated with prayer, meditation, and purification. Different societies adopted various styles and methods of incensing, integrating it into their spiritual traditions and practices, leading to a rich diversity in the types of incense used and the reasons for their burning.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,836, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.