blessed sacrament: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Religious, Ecclesiastical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “blessed sacrament” mean?
In Christian theology, particularly Catholicism, the consecrated bread and wine (or the consecrated Host alone) believed to become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ during the Eucharist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Christian theology, particularly Catholicism, the consecrated bread and wine (or the consecrated Host alone) believed to become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ during the Eucharist.
Can refer to the consecrated elements themselves or their reserved form in a tabernacle. Also used metonymically for the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Minor potential differences in pronunciation (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical theological and religious connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Frequency correlates with the religious demographics of the speaker's community. Likely slightly more frequent in historically Catholic regions, but term is standard across English-speaking Christian traditions that observe the doctrine.
Grammar
How to Use “blessed sacrament” in a Sentence
The [priest/concelebrant] administers the Blessed Sacrament.The faithful venerated the Blessed Sacrament.They spent an hour in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blessed sacrament” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The priest will bless the sacrament.
American English
- The priest will bless the sacrament.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She attended the Blessed Sacrament procession.
American English
- He is a member of the Blessed Sacrament parish.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, and religious studies contexts.
Everyday
Only used in the everyday speech of religious practitioners discussing their faith.
Technical
Technical term within sacramental theology and liturgy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blessed sacrament”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blessed sacrament”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blessed sacrament”
- Using lowercase ('blessed sacrament').
- Using in a secular context.
- Confusing with 'Last Sacrament' (which refers to Anointing of the Sick).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used by Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Lutheran and Methodist traditions that hold a sacramental view of the Eucharist.
It is capitalised as a proper noun referring to a specific, unique theological reality (the true presence of Christ), similar to other proper nouns for sacred objects or persons.
Typically no. It is used as a singular, non-countable proper noun (e.g., 'receive the Blessed Sacrament'). One might refer to 'a consecrated host' as 'an instance of the Blessed Sacrament' in theological discussion.
'Eucharist' often refers to the entire liturgical rite (the Mass) or the act of receiving communion. 'Blessed Sacrament' more specifically denotes the consecrated elements themselves, especially as an object of devotion outside of Mass.
In Christian theology, particularly Catholicism, the consecrated bread and wine (or the consecrated Host alone) believed to become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ during the Eucharist.
Blessed sacrament is usually religious, ecclesiastical, formal in register.
Blessed sacrament: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblɛsɪd ˈsækrəmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblɛsɪd ˈsækrəmənt/ (Also common: /ˈblɛsɪd/). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific; the term itself is a fixed religious idiom.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The BLESSED (holy, consecrated) SACRAMENT (sacred rite) – the most sacred element of the central Christian sacrament.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESENCE IS CONTAINMENT (Christ is contained/present within the sacrament), HOLINESS IS UP (the Blessed Sacrament is elevated, housed in a high tabernacle).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Blessed Sacrament' primarily used?