Shrift: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ
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shrift

 

[ สƒrษชft ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious context

Shrift refers to the confession of sins to a priest, particularly in the Christian tradition. It is often associated with the act of penance and the absolution granted after confession. The term originates from the Old English word 'scrifan', meaning to prescribe or to impose penance. It emphasizes the religious practice of seeking forgiveness and contrition for one's wrongdoings. The concept of shrift can also imply the length of time one spends in confession.

Synonyms

absolution, confession, penance, repentance

Examples of usage

  • He went to the church for shrift.
  • She sought shrift before making major decisions.
  • The priest offered his counsel during shrift.
  • Many believers view shrift as a vital spiritual practice.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrift" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น confissรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคทเคฎเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Absolution

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pengakuan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะฟะพะฒั–ะดัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ spowiedลบ

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‘Š็™ฝ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท confession

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ confesiรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท itiraf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณ ๋ฐฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุนุชุฑุงู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zpovฤ›ฤ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ spoveฤ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฟๆ‚”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ spoved

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ jafnvel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐะทะฐะปะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒฆแƒ˜แƒแƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ etiraf

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ confesiรณn

Etymology

The word 'shrift' has its roots in the Old English term 'scrifan', which means to impose a penalty or to prescribe. The concept evolved as confessions became an integral part of Christian doctrine, particularly within the Catholic Church, where believers would confess their sins to a priest to seek forgiveness and guidance. This practice of penance became deeply embedded in religious culture over the centuries, leading to the more modern usage of the term. The usage of 'shrift' has somewhat dwindled in contemporary language but still holds a significant place in historical texts and religious discussions. It embodies the spiritual journey of introspection and seeking redemption, making it a term laden with meaning and tradition.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,043, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.