Meaning of Word
Consecrated refers to something that has been made sacred, dedicated, or set apart for religious or spiritual purposes.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Declared or set apart as holy, often through a formal religious ceremony.
- Dedicated to a sacred purpose or cause.
- Made official as holy or sacred, often used in the context of places, objects, or individuals.
History and Origin
The word consecrated comes from the Latin consecratus, the past participle of consecrāre, meaning “to dedicate as sacred” (con- meaning “together” and sacrare meaning “to make sacred”). First used in religious contexts, it historically referred to the dedication of temples, altars, or priests. Over time, its usage expanded to describe acts of dedication to noble or spiritual purposes.
Detailed Explanation
Consecrated typically refers to the formal act of dedicating something to a divine or sacred purpose. This could involve a religious ritual, such as the consecration of a church, a holy object, or a person (e.g., a priest or bishop). The term signifies a transformation from ordinary to holy, symbolizing reverence and commitment. Beyond religious contexts, consecrated can metaphorically describe deep dedication to a cause, mission, or ideal.
Example Sentences
- The church was consecrated in a solemn ceremony attended by hundreds of worshippers.
- The holy water was consecrated by the priest during the mass.
- The ancient temple was considered consecrated ground, revered by pilgrims.
- She consecrated her life to serving the poor and disadvantaged.
- The soldiers were buried in consecrated ground, honoring their sacrifice.
- The newly consecrated bishop received blessings from senior clergy members.
- The shrine was consecrated with offerings and prayers by the community.
- The consecrated chalice was only used during special religious ceremonies.
- The building was no longer used as a church but remained consecrated as a historical site.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Sanctified: Made holy or sacred through a ritual.
- Blessed: Given divine favor or sacred status.
- Dedicated: Reserved for a specific purpose, often spiritual or noble.
- Hallowed: Revered as sacred or highly respected.
- Sacred: Regarded with reverence, often connected to divinity.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Ordained: Officially invested with a religious or spiritual role.
- Devoted: Committed to a particular purpose or cause, often with reverence.
- Holy: Recognized as having divine quality or significance.
- Anointed: Chosen or blessed for a special purpose, often with a ceremonial act.
- Purified: Cleansed to achieve a state of spiritual sanctity.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Consecrated ground: Land dedicated for sacred purposes, such as burials.
- Consecrated life: A life devoted to religious service or a noble cause.
- Consecrated object: An item made sacred through a religious ritual.
- Consecrated space: A location designated as holy or spiritual.
- Consecrated vows: Promises made with sacred dedication, often in a religious context.
Antonyms
- Desecrated: Treated with disrespect or violation of sacredness.
- Profane: Not sacred; relating to ordinary or secular matters.
- Unholy: Lacking sacred or spiritual significance.
- Ordinary: Not special, sacred, or consecrated.
- Secular: Not connected to religious or sacred matters.