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Liturgically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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liturgically

[lɪˈtɜːrdʒɪkli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

religious practices

Liturgically refers to anything related to liturgy, which is the structured form of public worship in Christian traditions, often involving rituals and ceremonies. It is commonly used to describe how religious services are conducted within different denominations.

Synonyms

ceremonially, ritually.

Examples of usage

  • The church was decorated liturgically for the Easter service.
  • Liturgically, the readings change from season to season.
  • The music was chosen liturgically to enhance the worship experience.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Religious Practices

  • Liturgical practices are a vital part of many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism, often including structured prayers and rituals.
  • Different denominations have unique liturgical calendars that mark seasons like Advent or Lent, guiding worship throughout the year.

Cultural Significance

  • Liturgical events often serve as community gathering points, reinforcing social bonds and shared beliefs among participants.
  • Music and art play crucial roles in liturgical services, enhancing the emotional and spiritual experience for the worshippers.

Psychology

  • Participating in liturgical practices can provide individuals a sense of belonging and connection to something larger than themselves.
  • Engagement in ritualistic worship can be comforting, offering stability during life's changes and challenges.

Modern Interpretations

  • Many contemporary religions are adapting liturgical elements to appeal to younger generations, blending tradition with modernity.
  • The rise of online worship services has transformed traditional liturgical practices, making them more accessible to people worldwide.

Origin of 'liturgically'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'leitourgia,' meaning 'public service,' showing the community aspect of worship.
  • The original use of the term related to services done by citizens for the good of the state, which later evolved into specific religious practices.

The term 'liturgically' derives from the noun 'liturgy', which comes from the Greek word 'leitourgia'. Originally, 'leitourgia' was composed of 'leitos', meaning 'of the people', and 'ergon', meaning 'work'. Thus, it referred to 'the work of the people'. In ancient Greece, it denoted public service or duty performed by citizens. With the rise of Christianity, the meaning evolved to specifically represent the public worship practices of the Christian church. The adverbial form 'liturgically' began to gain prominence in the late Middle Ages and the Reformation, when there was increased emphasis on structured forms of worship, leading to differing liturgical practices among various churches.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,725, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.