Langimage
English

church

|church|

A1

🇺🇸

/tʃɜrtʃ/

🇬🇧

/tʃɜːtʃ/

Christian worship place

Etymology
Etymology Information

'church' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'cirice,' which came from the Greek word 'kuriakon,' meaning 'of the Lord.'

Historical Evolution

'cirice' transformed into the Middle English word 'chirche,' and eventually became the modern English word 'church.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a place of Christian worship,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a building used for public Christian worship.

The village has a beautiful old church.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a particular Christian organization with its own clergy, buildings, and distinctive doctrines.

She belongs to the Anglican Church.

Synonyms

Noun 3

the hierarchy of clergy within a particular Christian Church.

The church has decided to ordain more priests.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35