Parish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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parish
[ˈperɪʃ ]
Definitions
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The parish was responsible for organizing community events.
- She attended the local parish church every Sunday.
legal
The residents of such a district collectively.
Synonyms
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The parish voted on the new zoning laws.
- The parish was divided on the issue of property taxes.
archaic
To place someone under the jurisdiction or authority of a parish.
Synonyms
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.
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| assign |
Used when giving someone a particular task or duty, often in a work or academic setting.
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| appoint |
Used when officially choosing someone for a job or position, often in an organization or government.
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| delegate |
Used when giving responsibility or authority to someone else to carry out specific tasks, often in a business or political context.
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Examples of usage
- He was parish'd to the care of the local church.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'parish'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'parish' originated from the Old French word 'paroisse', which in turn came from the Latin word 'parochia'. The concept of a parish as a geographical area served by a church dates back to early Christian times. Parishes were established to provide pastoral care to specific communities. Over time, the term 'parish' has evolved to encompass both religious and administrative meanings, reflecting its dual role in society.