Langimage
English

lectional

|lec-tion-al|

C2

🇺🇸

/ˈlɛkʃənəl/

🇬🇧

/ˈlɛkʃ(ə)nəl/

relating to (liturgical) readings

Etymology
Etymology Information

'lectional' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'lectio', where the root 'leg-'/'lect-' meant 'to gather, pick out, read'.

Historical Evolution

'lectional' developed via Medieval Latin 'lectionalis' and Middle English usage from Latin-derived ecclesiastical vocabulary, eventually becoming the modern English adjective 'lectional'.

Meaning Changes

Initially it meant 'relating to a reading', and this basic meaning has been retained; it is now specifically used for readings appointed in liturgical/lectionary contexts.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

relating to a lection or lectionary; pertaining to the scheduled readings (especially scriptural readings) used in public worship or liturgy.

The lectional calendar determines which scripture passages are read on each Sunday.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2026/01/13 20:12