apodeipnon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Specialized / Extremely RareReligious / Liturgical
Quick answer
What does “apodeipnon” mean?
The evening meal or supper in the Eastern Orthodox monastic tradition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The evening meal or supper in the Eastern Orthodox monastic tradition.
The service of prayers (Vespers) said after this meal in the Eastern Orthodox Church; a specific canonical hour in the liturgical cycle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in usage; the term is equally obscure and specialized in both dialects.
Connotations
Exclusively connotes Eastern Orthodox monasticism and liturgy.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in general language. Used only in highly specialized theological or liturgical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “apodeipnon” in a Sentence
The monks gathered for [apodeipnon].The [apodeipnon] is followed by compline.They partook of the simple [apodeipnon].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apodeipnon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No verbal use)
American English
- (No verbal use)
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial use)
American English
- (No adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- (No adjectival use)
American English
- (No adjectival use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological papers, histories of liturgy, and studies of Eastern Orthodox monasticism.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
A precise term in liturgics for a specific canonical hour and the associated meal.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apodeipnon”
- Mispronouncing it as 'apo-dip-non'.
- Using it to refer to any casual evening meal.
- Capitalizing it incorrectly (it is not a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialized term used only in the context of Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
No. Using it in a secular context would be highly unusual and confusing. Use 'dinner' or 'supper' instead.
It comes from Byzantine Greek ἀπόδειπνον (apódeipnon), from ἀπό (apó, 'after') + δεῖπνον (deîpnon, 'dinner').
The closest equivalent in the Roman Catholic tradition would be Vespers or Compline, though these are not directly tied to a communal meal.
The evening meal or supper in the Eastern Orthodox monastic tradition.
Apodeipnon is usually religious / liturgical in register.
Apodeipnon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌapə(ʊ)ˈdeɪpnɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæpəˈdaɪpnɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No common idioms exist for this word.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'APO' (after) + 'DEIPNON' (Greek for dinner) = the meal and prayers AFTER the main day.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A. This is a concrete, non-metaphorical term for a specific ritual practice.
Practice
Quiz
The term 'apodeipnon' is primarily used in which context?