Temple: meaning, definitions and examples

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temple

[ˈtɛmpəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

place of worship

A building devoted to the worship, or regarded as the dwelling place, of a god or gods or other objects of religious reverence.

Synonyms

church, sanctuary, shrine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
temple	A temple is generally used to describe a place of worship in various religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. It often implies a large and historically or architecturally significant building. The temple was beautifully decorated for the festival. She visited the temple every morning for meditation.
shrine	A shrine is usually a smaller place of worship, often dedicated to a specific deity, saint, or holy figure. It can be part of a larger temple or stand alone, and is often a place for personal devotion and offerings. Pilgrims traveled miles to pray at the shrine. She placed flowers at the shrine of her favorite saint.
sanctuary	A sanctuary can refer to a sacred or holy space within a larger religious building, or metaphorically, a place of safety and refuge. It is often used to convey a sense of peace and protection. The animals were kept safe in a wildlife sanctuary. They found sanctuary in a small chapel during the storm.
church	A church is typically associated with Christian worship. It can vary from a large cathedral to a small local parish building. They attended the church service every Sunday. The church bell rang loudly at noon.

Examples of usage

The ancient temple was a place of pilgrimage for believers.
She visited the temple to offer her prayers.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

anatomy

Either of the two flat areas on each side of the head at the top of the face, which are usually of a different color than the surrounding skin.

Synonyms

hairline, side of the head.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
temple	Use to refer to the flat area on the sides of the forehead, just above the ear. Commonly used in medical, anatomical, or descriptive contexts. She felt a sharp pain in her temple. He rubbed his temples, trying to alleviate the headache.
side of the head	Use to describe the general area on either side of the head. Often used in casual or general descriptions. He was hit on the side of the head during the game. She wore glasses that fit snugly on the sides of her head.
hairline	Use to refer to the edge of the area where the hair starts on the forehead. Commonly used when talking about hairstyles, hair loss, or facial features. He had a receding hairline. The hairstyle she chose emphasized her high hairline.

Word

Description / Examples

temple

Use to refer to the flat area on the sides of the forehead, just above the ear. Commonly used in medical, anatomical, or descriptive contexts.

She felt a sharp pain in her temple.
He rubbed his temples, trying to alleviate the headache.

side of the head

Use to describe the general area on either side of the head. Often used in casual or general descriptions.

He was hit on the side of the head during the game.
She wore glasses that fit snugly on the sides of her head.

hairline

Use to refer to the edge of the area where the hair starts on the forehead. Commonly used when talking about hairstyles, hair loss, or facial features.

He had a receding hairline.
The hairstyle she chose emphasized her high hairline.

Examples of usage

She had a small mole on her left temple.
He felt a sharp pain in his right temple.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

Judaism

The temple in Jerusalem, the holy place of the Jews, which was destroyed in AD 70 by the Romans.

Synonyms

Holy Temple, Jerusalem temple, Second Temple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
temple	Again, denoting a general term for religious structures, without specific association. She marveled at the intricate carvings of the Hindu temple Community leaders gathered at the temple for the annual festival
Jerusalem temple	Specifically refers to the historic temples built in Jerusalem, central to Jewish tradition. Used in historical, religious, and scholarly discussions. The Jerusalem temple holds immense historical and spiritual significance Researchers are keen on learning about the archaeological history of the Jerusalem temple
Holy Temple	Refers specifically to a temple considered sacred and usually has significant religious importance. Often used in Christian, Jewish, and other religious contexts. Pilgrims travel to the Holy Temple seeking spiritual solace The Holy Temple is a pivotal destination for many believers
Second Temple	Refers to the second temple built in Jerusalem, a significant period in Jewish history, used in historical and religious contexts. The Second Temple period is a crucial era in Jewish history Many events are chronicled during the time of the Second Temple

Examples of usage

The temple was a center of Jewish worship and sacrifice.
The destruction of the temple was a significant event in Jewish history.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'temple' comes from the Latin word 'templum,' which means a place for worship and observing the skies.
In ancient Rome, temples were dedicated to multiple gods, highlighting the diversity in religious practices.
The architectural style of a temple often reflects the culture it comes from, with unique features like columns and sculptures.

Cultural Significance

In Hinduism, temples are seen as the physical embodiment of the divine, where deities are invited to reside.
Buddhist temples often feature stupas, which are structures that contain sacred relics and represent the enlightened mind.
In ancient Egypt, temples served not only as worship sites but also as performance spaces for ritual dramas and celebrations.

History

The Parthenon in Athens is a notable temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and exemplifies ancient Greek architecture.
In ancient Mesopotamia, ziggurats served as temples that connected the earth with the heavens, often featuring multiple levels.
The Temple of Solomon, described in biblical texts, was a central place of worship for the Israelites and symbolizes sacred architecture.

Art and Architecture

Temples often feature intricate artwork, including sculptures, frescoes, and mosaics, reflecting the artistic styles of their time.
The layout of many temples is designed to lead worshippers on a journey, often incorporating specific divisions and sacred spaces.
Different religions use unique architectural elements, like domes in Islamic mosques and spires in Christian cathedrals, to create a sense of height and grandeur.

Psychology

Visiting a temple can create a sense of calm and belonging, providing a space for reflection and community.
The rituals associated with temples can have psychological benefits, helping to alleviate stress and promote mental well-being.
Engaging in communal worship in temples fosters social bonds and reinforces shared values among attendees.

Translations

Translations of the word "temple" in other languages:

🇵🇹 templo

🇮🇳 मंदिर

🇩🇪 Tempel

🇮🇩 kuil

🇺🇦 храм

🇵🇱 świątynia

🇯🇵 寺 (てら)

🇫🇷 temple

🇪🇸 templo

🇹🇷 tapınak

🇰🇷 사원

🇸🇦 معبد

🇨🇿 chrám

🇸🇰 chrám

🇨🇳 寺庙 (sìmiào)

🇸🇮 tempelj

🇮🇸 hof

🇰🇿 ғибадатхана

🇬🇪 ტაძარი

🇦🇿 məbəd

🇲🇽 templo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,379, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3376 institutional
3377 soldier
3378 solve
3379 temple
3380 bars
3381 roles
3382 fitted
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