annunciation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Religious/Art-Historical
Quick answer
What does “annunciation” mean?
The act of formally or publicly announcing something, especially used in a religious context for the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive Jesus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of formally or publicly announcing something, especially used in a religious context for the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive Jesus.
Any formal proclamation or declaration, often of significant news. In art and literature, it refers specifically to the depiction of the biblical event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The capitalisation for the religious event is consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations of formality and religious/historical significance in both variants.
Frequency
Equally rare in general use in both regions, confined primarily to religious, artistic, or formal literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “annunciation” in a Sentence
the annunciation of [something] to [someone]the annunciation that [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “annunciation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The angel annunciated the news to Mary. (Rare, archaic)
American English
- The herald annunciated the king's decree. (Rare, archaic)
adverb
British English
- He spoke annunciatorily, as if delivering a prophecy. (Extremely rare)
American English
- The news was delivered annunciatorily from the podium. (Extremely rare)
adjective
British English
- The annunciatory message changed her life. (Rare, formal)
American English
- He spoke in an annunciatory tone. (Rare, formal)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theology, art history, and literature to refer to the specific biblical event or its depictions.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound archaic or pretentious.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of specialised religious or art-historical discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “annunciation”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “annunciation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “annunciation”
- Misspelling as 'announciation' (following 'announce').
- Using it as a synonym for any casual announcement.
- Pronouncing it as /əˈnaʊnsiˈeɪʃən/ (like 'announce').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is capitalised when referring specifically to the Christian event (the Annunciation). In its rare general use meaning 'a formal announcement', it is not.
'Annunciation' is far more formal, solemn, and archaic. It carries religious/historical weight. 'Announcement' is neutral and used for any type of news being made public.
Yes, 'annunciate' exists but is extremely rare and archaic. 'Announce' is the standard modern verb.
In many Christian traditions, it is celebrated on March 25th, exactly nine months before Christmas.
The act of formally or publicly announcing something, especially used in a religious context for the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive Jesus.
Annunciation is usually formal, literary, religious/art-historical in register.
Annunciation: in British English it is pronounced /əˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ANNOUNCE the nation' shortened to 'ANNUNCIATION' - it's a big, formal announcement.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MOMENTOUS EVENT IS A FORMAL DECLARATION (The Annunciation began the story of Christ).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'annunciation' MOST commonly used today?