amen corner: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “amen corner” mean?
A section of a church, traditionally near the pulpit, where the most devout or vocal members sit and respond with "Amen" during the service.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A section of a church, traditionally near the pulpit, where the most devout or vocal members sit and respond with "Amen" during the service.
Any group of people who are unquestioningly supportive or enthusiastic about a particular person, idea, or organization; a figurative place of strong agreement or approval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English, particularly in contexts describing US politics and evangelical culture. In British English, it may be less familiar and more likely to be understood in its literal, historical church sense.
Connotations
In both varieties, the metaphorical use carries a mildly negative or critical connotation, implying blind or excessive agreement rather than thoughtful support.
Frequency
Rare in everyday conversation; primarily found in analytical writing, journalism, or historical descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “amen corner” in a Sentence
The [speaker] addressed the amen corner.He was preaching to the amen corner.The proposal was cheered by the amen corner.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a group of executives or board members who automatically approve the CEO's plans without critique.
Academic
Used in sociology or political science to describe uncritical ideological supporters.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used humorously to describe friends who always agree with you.
Technical
Not used in technical fields; primarily a socio-linguistic term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amen corner”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amen corner”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amen corner”
- Using it to describe a place of prayer in general (it's specific to vocal supporters).
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun (it's not typically capitalized).
- Using it in a positive sense (it usually implies a lack of critical thought).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has low frequency and is mostly used in specific contexts like political analysis or historical description.
Rarely. Its metaphorical use typically carries a critical nuance, suggesting support is automatic rather than earned.
It originates from 19th-century Protestant church architecture, denoting seats near the pulpit occupied by the most fervent congregants.
No, the term is only used as a compound noun. There is no standard verb derivation.
A section of a church, traditionally near the pulpit, where the most devout or vocal members sit and respond with "Amen" during the service.
Amen corner is usually informal, figurative in register.
Amen corner: in British English it is pronounced /ˌeɪ.men ˈkɔː.nə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌeɪ.men ˈkɔːr.nɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “preaching to the choir”
- “yes-man”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CORNER of a church where every time the priest speaks, the only response is "AMEN"—no questions, just agreement.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENT IS A PHYSICAL LOCATION (a corner); UNQUESTIONING SUPPORT IS RELIGIOUS DEVOTION.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'amen corner' metaphorically refer to?