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Sunday Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sunday

[หˆsสŒndeษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

day of the week

Sunday is the day of the week between Saturday and Monday. It is considered the first day of the week in many cultures.

Synonyms

Lord's Day, Sabbath, day of rest.

Examples of usage

  • I like to relax and read on Sunday.
  • We always have a family dinner on Sunday.
Context #2 | Noun

religious context

In Christianity, Sunday is often considered a holy day, observed as a day of worship and rest.

Synonyms

day of worship, holy day.

Examples of usage

  • We go to church every Sunday.
  • Sunday school is held in the morning.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • For Christians, Sunday is often a day of worship and rest, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus.
  • In many cultures, it is considered a day for family gatherings, leisure activities, or community events.
  • In some countries, businesses may close on Sundays allowing people to enjoy time off.

History

  • The Roman Emperor Constantine I declared Sunday as a day of rest in AD 321.
  • Before Christianity, many cultures performed sun worship rituals on this day.
  • The establishment of Sunday as a day of rest was also influenced by Jewish customs of observing Sabbath on Saturday.

Modern Usage

  • In the contemporary calendar, Sunday is commonly used as a starting point for the work week in some cultures.
  • Many sports events, like football games, are scheduled on Sundays, making it a day for communal excitement.
  • Sunday brunch has become a popular dining tradition, blending breakfast and lunch for social gatherings.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people often feel more relaxed on Sundays, viewing it as a time to recharge before the week ahead.
  • The 'Sunday Scaries' refers to the anxiety some feel about the upcoming workweek as Sunday evening approaches.
  • People frequently engage in self-care activities on Sundays, such as reading, exercise, or relaxation techniques.

Origin of 'sunday'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'Sunday' comes from Old English 'Sunnandรฆg', which means 'sun's day'.
  • Many languages refer to Sunday as related to the sun, like 'dimanche' in French, which means 'Lord's Day'.
  • In ancient cultures, Sunday was dedicated to the sun god, reflecting its importance in early civilizations.

The word 'Sunday' comes from Old English 'Sunnandรฆg', which is derived from a Germanic interpretation of Latin 'dies Solis' meaning 'day of the sun'. The association with the sun reflects the day's status as a day of worship for sun gods in many ancient cultures.

See also: sun, sunbathe, sunbathing, sunbeam, sunbeams, sundown, sunken, sunlight, sunlit, sunny, sunray, sunrise, sunset, sunshade, sunshades, sunshine, sunup.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,145, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.