Parish: meaning, definitions and examples

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parish

[ˈperɪʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious

A small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor.

Synonyms

congregation, diocese, rectory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
parish	This term is commonly used to describe a local church community or the geographical area served by a church. It often includes the church, its members, and various activities related to the church. The parish will be hosting a bake sale next Sunday. She has been a member of this parish for over ten years.
diocese	This term is used to describe a district or region under the supervision of a bishop in the Christian church. It generally encompasses several parishes. He was recently assigned to a new diocese in the north. The diocese has seen significant growth in recent years.
congregation	This word is used to refer specifically to the group of people who attend a particular church or religious service. It emphasizes the individuals who make up the church community. The congregation gathered for the Christmas Eve service. Our congregation is very active in community outreach programs.
rectory	This word is used to refer to the residence provided for a church's clergy, particularly the rector or priest. It often implies the house associated with a parish church. The new priest has moved into the rectory beside the church. Church members helped renovate the old rectory.

Examples of usage

The parish was responsible for organizing community events.
She attended the local parish church every Sunday.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal

The residents of such a district collectively.

Synonyms

community, district, ward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
parish	Best suited for a religious or church-based context, typically referring to a local church community or its administrative district. The parish held a fundraising event. She attends services at her local parish every Sunday.
district	Usually refers to an administrative or governmental area within a city, town, or region, often having defined boundaries for political, educational, or other organizational purposes. Our school is in the northern district. The district has elected a new representative.
community	Used to refer broadly to a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. It can be a neighborhood, a group linked by shared interests, or a social unit. The community came together to clean the park. She is an active member of the artistic community.
ward	Often used in both administrative and healthcare contexts. In politics, it can refer to a division of a city or town for electoral purposes. In a hospital setting, it refers to a specific area or unit for patients. He was elected as the councillor for the third ward. She was admitted to the maternity ward after the surgery.

Examples of usage

The parish voted on the new zoning laws.
The parish was divided on the issue of property taxes.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

archaic

To place someone under the jurisdiction or authority of a parish.

Synonyms

appoint, assign, delegate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
parish	Used when referring to a church community or administrative district with its own local government, especially in some Christian denominations. The priest welcomed the new members to the parish. They decided to hold the festival in the parish hall.
assign	Used when giving someone a particular task or duty, often in a work or academic setting. The teacher will assign homework at the end of the class. The manager assigned the project to the most experienced team.
appoint	Used when officially choosing someone for a job or position, often in an organization or government. The board decided to appoint a new CEO. She was appointed as the ambassador to France.
delegate	Used when giving responsibility or authority to someone else to carry out specific tasks, often in a business or political context. It's important to delegate tasks to your team members. The president decided to delegate his duties to the vice-president during his absence.

Examples of usage

He was parish'd to the care of the local church.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'paroikia', meaning 'a dwelling beside', and its Latin adaptation 'parochia' meant the same.
In ancient times, the term referred not just to church communities but to those living nearby.
Over time, it evolved to refer to communities associated with specific churches in Christianity.

Historical Context

During the Middle Ages, parishes were a fundamental part of local governance, influencing laws and commerce.
In Catholic practice, each parish is typically overseen by a priest, who manages spiritual and community activities.
Many parishes were centers of education and charity, helping to establish schools and hospitals in local areas.

Cultural Significance

In English-speaking countries, 'parish' often evokes images of quaint villages with historic churches.
Parishes can organize community events such as fairs, potlucks, and charity drives, fostering neighborhood bonds.
In literature, parishes are often depicted as microcosms of broader society, showing unique cultural and social dynamics.

Modern Relevance

Today, parishes continue to be vital in religious life, adapting to modern societal changes and technology.
Some parishes engage in social justice initiatives, addressing issues like poverty and discrimination.
As urban areas grow, some traditional parish structures are merging, leading to larger church communities with diverse memberships.

Types of Parishes

There are different types of parishes, like territorial parishes, which serve specific geographic areas, and personal parishes, focusing on particular communities.
In some regions, parishes may also be associated with specific languages or demographics, like ethnic parishes catering to immigrant communities.
The role and structure of parishes can vary significantly between denominations, such as Catholic, Anglican, or Orthodox churches.

Translations

Translations of the word "parish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paróquia

🇮🇳 पारिश

🇩🇪 Pfarrgemeinde

🇮🇩 paroki

🇺🇦 парафія

🇵🇱 parafia

🇯🇵 教区

🇫🇷 paroisse

🇪🇸 parroquia

🇹🇷 cemaat

🇰🇷 교구

🇸🇦 أبرشية

🇨🇿 farnost

🇸🇰 farnosť

🇨🇳 教区

🇸🇮 župnija

🇮🇸 sókn

🇰🇿 парафия

🇬🇪 პარაფია

🇦🇿 pariya

🇲🇽 parroquia

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,489, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3486 sphere
3487 inferior
3488 erected
3489 parish
3490 orientation
3491 digital
3492 touched
...