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Liturgy: meaning, definitions and examples

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liturgy

 

[ ˈlɪt.ər.dʒi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious practice

Liturgy refers to a prescribed form or set of forms for public religious worship. It often includes various rites, prayers, and ceremonies that guide worshippers through a spiritual experience. Different denominations and traditions have their unique liturgies, which can evolve over time. The term can also encompass the overall structure of worship such as the readings, hymns, and the sacrament's administration.

Synonyms

ceremony, ritual, service, worship.

Examples of usage

  • The church's liturgy was beautifully designed.
  • Many people feel moved by the liturgy during services.
  • The liturgy includes readings from sacred texts.
  • In some cultures, the liturgy is a long-standing tradition.

Translations

Translations of the word "liturgy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 liturgia

🇮🇳 पूजा

🇩🇪 Liturgie

🇮🇩 liturgi

🇺🇦 літургія

🇵🇱 liturgia

🇯🇵 典礼

🇫🇷 liturgie

🇪🇸 liturgia

🇹🇷 litürji

🇰🇷 예배

🇸🇦 طقوس

🇨🇿 liturgie

🇸🇰 liturgia

🇨🇳 礼拜

🇸🇮 liturgija

🇮🇸 guðsþjónusta

🇰🇿 литургия

🇬🇪 ლიტურგია

🇦🇿 liturgiya

🇲🇽 liturgia

Etymology

The word 'liturgy' originates from the Greek term 'leitourgia', which is a combination of 'leitos', meaning 'public', and 'ergon', meaning 'work'. In ancient Greece, this referred to a public service or duty performed by citizens. Over time, the term evolved in the context of Christian practices, where it came to signify the public worship and ceremonies held within a church. The use of the word in this religious sense emerged around the 4th century AD as Christianity spread, and it has since been used to describe the formalized worship and rituals that are integral to various Christian denominations. Throughout history, liturgies have adapted to different cultural and theological shifts while retaining their essential purpose of facilitating communal worship and spiritual connection.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,641, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.