Sacrificial: meaning, definitions and examples

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sacrificial

 

[ ˌsækrəˈfɪʃəl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

ritualistic act

Relating to or involving the offering of something valuable or precious as a sacrifice, especially in a religious context. Sacrificial acts are often performed to appease gods or spirits.

Synonyms

ceremonial, offering, ritualistic

Examples of usage

  • The ancient Mayan civilization conducted sacrificial rituals to honor their deities.
  • In some cultures, animals were considered sacrificial offerings during religious ceremonies.
Context #2 | Noun

person or thing

A person or thing that is offered as a sacrifice, typically in a religious or ceremonial setting. Sacrificial offerings can range from animals to valuable possessions.

Synonyms

martyr, offering, victim

Examples of usage

  • The king believed himself to be a sacrificial lamb for the prosperity of his kingdom.
  • The annual harvest festival included the burning of a sacrificial effigy.

Translations

Translations of the word "sacrificial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sacrificial

🇮🇳 बलिदान

🇩🇪 opfernd

🇮🇩 korban

🇺🇦 жертовний

🇵🇱 ofiarny

🇯🇵 犠牲の

🇫🇷 sacrificiel

🇪🇸 sacrificial

🇹🇷 kurban

🇰🇷 희생의

🇸🇦 تضحية

🇨🇿 obětní

🇸🇰 obete

🇨🇳 牺牲的

🇸🇮 žrtveni

🇮🇸 fórnar

🇰🇿 құрбандық

🇬🇪 მსხვერპლიანი

🇦🇿 qurbanlıq

🇲🇽 sacrificial

Etymology

The term 'sacrificial' originates from the Latin word 'sacrificium', which is a combination of 'sacer' meaning 'holy' or 'sacred' and 'facere' meaning 'to make' or 'to do'. The concept of sacrifice has been prevalent in various cultures and religions throughout history, with offerings made to deities or spirits in exchange for blessings or favors. The act of sacrifice has evolved over time, from animal sacrifices in ancient civilizations to symbolic gestures in modern religious practices.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,422, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.