Sainthood Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sainthood

[หˆseษชntสŠฮธ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

religious status

Sainthood is the status of being recognized as a saint by the church or religious authority. It signifies an individualโ€™s exceptional holiness or virtue, often exemplified through miracles attributed to them after death. The process of canonization involves extensive investigation and documentation of the individualโ€™s life and works.

Synonyms

beatification, holiness, martyrdom, sanctity.

Examples of usage

  • She dedicated her life to charity and was later granted sainthood.
  • The church is in the process of reviewing evidence for her sainthood.
  • His extraordinary deeds earned him the title of sainthood.
  • Sainthood is often celebrated with a feast day in honor of the individual.

Translations

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Origin of 'sainthood'

The word 'sainthood' originates from the Middle English term 'seinthede', which was derived from the Old English 'seint' (saint) combined with 'hood', a suffix denoting a state or condition. Sainthood has its roots in the early Christian tradition, where individuals who exhibited extraordinary faith, moral integrity, or suffered martyrdom for their beliefs were venerated. This practice intensified during the Middle Ages, with the Catholic Church formalizing the process of canonization in the 12th century. The term emphasizes the collective understanding of the revered status of saints across various cultures, reflecting both religious recognition and the broader communal respect bestowed upon these individuals.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,590 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.