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Sacrament Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sacrament

[หˆsรฆkrษ™mษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious ceremony

A sacrament is a religious ceremony or ritual regarded as imparting divine grace, such as baptism, the Eucharist, or marriage.

Synonyms

ceremony, rite, ritual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sacrament

This word is commonly used in a religious context to describe a sacred act or ceremony recognized by a Christian church, often seen as a means of receiving divine grace.

  • Baptism is considered a sacrament in many Christian denominations.
  • The Eucharist is celebrated as a holy sacrament.
ritual

This word can refer to any established procedure or practice, not necessarily religious, that is performed regularly or in a set manner.

  • He has a morning ritual of jogging and reading the newspaper.
  • The harvest ritual was performed to ensure a good crop.
ceremony

This term is broader and can apply to both religious and secular events. It typically refers to a formal event held to mark an occasion or rite.

  • The graduation ceremony was held at the auditorium.
  • They had a beautiful wedding ceremony.
rite

Generally used in a religious or spiritual context, this term refers to a prescribed form of conducting a religious function or ritual.

  • The rite of confirmation is important in many religious traditions.
  • They observed the ancient rite with careful attention.

Examples of usage

  • The priest administered the sacrament of confession to the parishioners.
  • The sacrament of communion is an important ritual in the Catholic Church.
Context #2 | Noun

something considered to have sacred significance

In a broader sense, a sacrament can also refer to something considered to have sacred significance or importance.

Synonyms

divine, holy, sacred.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sacrament

Used in religious contexts to refer to a formal, sacred rite recognized by a Christian church, such as baptism or the Eucharist.

  • The church held a sacrament of baptism for the newborn.
  • Communion is considered a key sacrament in many Christian denominations.
sacred

Used to describe something that is holy or set apart for spiritual or religious reasons, often with a deep sense of reverence.

  • They entered the sacred forest with a sense of awe.
  • The artifacts were considered sacred by the tribe.
holy

Often used to describe something that is sacred, dedicated, or set apart for religious reasons. It can also be used more generally to describe something respected or admired.

  • The Bible is considered a holy book.
  • They made a pilgrimage to the holy city.
divine

Used to describe something related to God or a deity, or to express something exceptionally good or heavenly.

  • She felt a divine presence in the ancient temple.
  • The cake she baked was simply divine.

Examples of usage

  • Nature is a sacrament to the indigenous people, a source of awe and reverence.
  • The act of forgiveness can be seen as a sacrament of healing and reconciliation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many Christian denominations, there are seven sacraments, including baptism and communion.
  • Rituals associated with sacraments can often be passed down through generations, reinforcing community ties.
  • Sacraments can vary in meaning and practice across different cultures and religious traditions.

Philosophy and Theology

  • Sacraments are viewed as visible signs of invisible grace, bridging the spiritual and physical worlds.
  • Different theological perspectives interpret the effectiveness of sacraments in various ways; some see them as essential for salvation.
  • Scholars debate the nature of sacraments, discussing their purpose and necessity in faith practices.

Art and Literature

  • Artists have depicted sacraments in numerous works, such as 'The Last Supper' illustrating communion.
  • Literature often explores the personal and communal implications of sacramental practices, reflecting deep human experiences.
  • Sacramental themes appear in poetry, connecting the divine and the mundane, as seen in many religious texts.

Psychology

  • Participation in sacraments can promote a sense of belonging and identity within a religious community.
  • Studies suggest that engaging in spiritual rituals can enhance emotional well-being and provide comfort during tough times.
  • The act of performing sacraments can lead to personal moments of reflection or a sense of peace.

Origin of 'sacrament'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sacramentum,' which means 'a sacred pledge' or 'oath.'
  • In early Christianity, the term was used to describe the act of dedicating oneself to the faith.
  • The concept evolved through the Middle Ages, incorporating various religious rites.

The word 'sacrament' originated from the Latin word 'sacramentum', meaning 'a solemn oath, obligation, or engagement'. In early Christian usage, the term came to be associated specifically with religious rites seen as imparting divine grace. Over time, the concept of sacrament has evolved to encompass a wider range of sacred rituals and practices across various religious traditions.

See also: sacredly, sacredness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,764, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.