consecrating
|con-se-crat-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈkɑːnsəˌkreɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɒnsɪˌkreɪt/
(consecrate)
make sacred
Etymology
'consecrate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'consecrare', where 'con-' meant 'together' or 'with' and 'sacrare' (from 'sacer') meant 'to make sacred' or 'sacred'.
'consecrate' changed from Latin 'consecrare' into Late Latin and then entered Old French/Medieval Latin forms and Middle English (e.g., Middle English 'consecraten'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'consecrate'.
Initially it meant 'to make or declare sacred' (literally to perform a religious act making something holy); over time it retained this core meaning while also developing broader figurative senses of 'formally dedicate' or 'set apart for a special purpose'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'consecrate' — making or declaring (something) sacred; formally dedicating something to a religious or sacred purpose
The bishop is consecrating the new chapel this Saturday.
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Verb 2
present participle used figuratively — publicly or formally dedicating or setting something apart for a special, respected, or honored purpose (not strictly religious)
By consecrating the hall to the memory of the founder, they signaled its permanent importance.
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Last updated: 2025/10/21 10:03