american bible society: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious, Historical
Quick answer
What does “american bible society” mean?
A specific Christian nonprofit organization founded in the United States in 1816, dedicated to translating, publishing, and distributing the Bible.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific Christian nonprofit organization founded in the United States in 1816, dedicated to translating, publishing, and distributing the Bible.
The term can also refer to the broader concept of a national or regional organization focused on Bible distribution, though it is most commonly a proper noun for the specific U.S. entity. In some contexts, it may be used metonymically to refer to institutional Bible publishing efforts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a proper noun for the U.S. organization, it is used identically. However, a UK speaker might refer to a similar UK entity (e.g., 'The British and Foreign Bible Society') simply as 'the Bible Society'. The phrase 'American Bible Society' explicitly signals the U.S. origin.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes organized, non-denominational Christian missionary work and philanthropy. In the UK, it may carry a slight connotation of being a foreign (American) institution.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English due to the organization's historical and cultural presence in the U.S. In British English, it appears primarily in contexts discussing international religious organizations or American history.
Grammar
How to Use “american bible society” in a Sentence
The [American Bible Society] + [verb: published, distributed, translated][Subject] + [verb: collaborated with, received from] + the [American Bible Society]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american bible society” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The group hopes to american-bible-society the region with new translations. (Non-standard, hypothetical)
American English
- They aimed to American-Bible-Society the frontier towns. (Non-standard, hypothetical)
adverb
British English
- The work proceeded American-Bible-Society-style. (Non-standard)
American English
- They distributed the texts American Bible Society-fast. (Non-standard)
adjective
British English
- He received an American-Bible-Society edition. (Hyphenated attributive use)
American English
- It was a classic American Bible Society approach. (Attributive noun phrase)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in discussions of nonprofit management or publishing.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and sociological contexts discussing the role of religious institutions in American society.
Everyday
Very low frequency. Might be mentioned in religious communities or historical discussions.
Technical
Used in theology, missiology (study of mission work), and philology (textual criticism of the Bible).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american bible society”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american bible society”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american bible society”
- Incorrect capitalization (e.g., 'american bible society').
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'an american bible society' instead of 'the American Bible Society').
- Confusing it with the 'British and Foreign Bible Society'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an independent, nonprofit Christian organization.
No, it is a non-denominational or inter-denominational society.
Yes, they publish and sell Bibles, but they also distribute millions of copies free or at low cost as part of their mission.
The closest equivalent is the 'British and Foreign Bible Society', founded earlier in 1804, which is now part of the global network known as 'Bible Society'.
A specific Christian nonprofit organization founded in the United States in 1816, dedicated to translating, publishing, and distributing the Bible.
American bible society is usually formal, religious, historical in register.
American bible society: in British English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ɪ.kən ˈbaɪ.bl̩ səˌsaɪ.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ə.kən ˈbaɪ.bl̩ səˌsaɪ.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a proper noun and does not form idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the initials ABS: 'American Books of Scripture'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS A BODY (e.g., 'the Society's outreach arm'); KNOWLEDGE IS LIGHT (e.g., 'distributing the light of the Bible').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary focus of the American Bible Society?