Sacrament Meaning and Definition
Sacrament
Pronunciation
/ˈs æ krəmənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A sacred or spiritual act, rite, or ritual, considered essential to a Christian’s relationship with God, typically performed by an ordained priest or minister.
Etymology
From Latin sacramentum, from sacrum (‘holy’) and mentum (‘profession’), literally ‘a solemn oath or promise’.
Usage Notes
Sacraments are typically performed within a religious context, and their meaning and significance vary across different Christian denominations and traditions.
Cultural References
The term ‘sacrament’ has been used in various works of literature and art, including novels, poems, and films, often to convey themes of spirituality, sacrifice, and redemption.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘To take a sacrament’ means to partake in a sacred ritual or ceremony.
Related Words or Phrases
Relic, Icon, Votive, Benediction
Collocations
Sacrament of Baptism, Sacrament of the Eucharist, Sacrament of Confession
Frequency of Use
The term ‘sacrament’ is relatively rare in modern usage, but it remains an important concept in Christian theology and practice.
Common Misspellings
Sacriment, Sacramant, Sacramente