anointing of the sick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowReligious, Liturgical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “anointing of the sick” mean?
A religious ceremony in Christianity, particularly Catholicism, where a person who is seriously ill or near death is anointed with blessed oil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A religious ceremony in Christianity, particularly Catholicism, where a person who is seriously ill or near death is anointed with blessed oil.
One of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, formerly known as Extreme Unction, administered to provide spiritual comfort, strength, and forgiveness of sins to those suffering from grave illness or old age.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Potential minor pronunciation variations due to accent.
Connotations
Identical religious connotations in both cultures with a Catholic background.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse, but used with identical meaning in relevant religious contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “anointing of the sick” in a Sentence
administer anointing of the sick to [PERSON][PERSON] receives anointing of the sickthe sacrament of anointing of the sickVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anointing of the sick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The priest will anoint the sick parishioner.
American English
- The hospital chaplain anointed the patient.
adjective
British English
- The anointing oil is blessed by the bishop.
American English
- He received the anointing sacrament.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or religious studies contexts.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of discussions involving Catholic practice or personal/family religious events.
Technical
A precise liturgical term within Catholic canon law and sacramental theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anointing of the sick”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anointing of the sick”
- Confusing it with 'last rites', which is a broader set of rituals that may include this sacrament. Using 'the' incorrectly (e.g., 'an anointing of sick').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is intended for anyone suffering from a serious illness or the infirmities of old age, not necessarily at the point of death.
Yes, a person can receive the sacrament each time they become seriously ill, or if their condition worsens.
Anointing of the sick is the sacrament itself. 'Last rites' can refer to a combination of sacraments (confession, anointing, viaticum) administered near death.
Only a priest or bishop can validly administer the sacrament.
A religious ceremony in Christianity, particularly Catholicism, where a person who is seriously ill or near death is anointed with blessed oil.
Anointing of the sick is usually religious, liturgical, formal in register.
Anointing of the sick: in British English it is pronounced /əˈnɔɪntɪŋ əv ðə ˈsɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnɔɪntɪŋ əv ðə ˈsɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ANOINTING' as applying holy oil, 'OF THE SICK' specifies who receives it. Together, it's the sacramental act for the ill.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICINE FOR THE SOUL (spiritual healing paralleling physical healing).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'anointing of the sick' primarily associated with?