book of common prayer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Religious, Historical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “book of common prayer” mean?
The official liturgical text of the Church of England, containing the prescribed order of services for daily and Sunday worship.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The official liturgical text of the Church of England, containing the prescribed order of services for daily and Sunday worship.
A proper noun referring specifically to the historic Anglican prayer book. By extension, sometimes used to refer to any standard, foundational, or authoritative religious text or set of principles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more historically and culturally central in UK English due to its role in British history and the established church. In US English, it is used primarily in Episcopal (Anglican) contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes heritage, tradition, and the established church. In the US, it connotes a specific denomination's liturgy. In both, it carries connotations of formality and tradition.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English in historical, literary, and ecclesiastical contexts. Lower frequency in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “book of common prayer” in a Sentence
VERB + the Book of Common Prayer: use, follow, read from, revise, publish, authorize, compile, translate, replace, adhere toADJECTIVE + Book of Common Prayer: the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, the traditional Book of Common Prayer, the authorized Book of Common Prayer, the Anglican Book of Common PrayerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “book of common prayer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The parish decided to book of common prayer the new edition for the coronation service. (Non-standard; illustrative of incorrect usage)
American English
- The priest book of common prayer the liturgy according to the 1979 version. (Non-standard; illustrative of incorrect usage)
adjective
British English
- The Book-of-Common-Prayer tradition is deeply embedded in the national fabric. (Hyphenated attributive use)
American English
- They followed a Book-of-Common-Prayer service structure. (Hyphenated attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in history, theology, literature, and religious studies departments. E.g., 'The 1662 Book of Common Prayer was a key document in the English Reformation.'
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation outside of religious communities. Might be mentioned in discussions of church, history, or weddings.
Technical
Used precisely in Anglican/Episcopal theology and liturgical studies to refer to specific editions and their rubrics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “book of common prayer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “book of common prayer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “book of common prayer”
- Writing in lower case ('book of common prayer').
- Omitting the definite article 'the' (e.g., 'They used Book of Common Prayer').
- Using it as a common noun for any prayer book.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used by Anglican and Episcopal churches worldwide, though many have their own local adaptations or revisions.
The first version was published in 1549 during the reign of King Edward VI.
Yes, while designed for corporate worship, its prayers and Psalms are widely used for personal devotion.
It means 'unified' or 'shared by all', indicating it was intended for use by the entire church and nation, not just clergy.
The official liturgical text of the Church of England, containing the prescribed order of services for daily and Sunday worship.
Book of common prayer is usually formal, religious, historical, literary in register.
Book of common prayer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʊk əv ˌkɒmən ˈpreə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbʊk əv ˌkɑːmən ˈprer/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As set down in the Book of Common Prayer (meaning: done properly or traditionally)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMMON book for PRAYER used by everyone in the Church of England.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOUNDATION (the foundational text of Anglican worship); A BLUEPRINT (the prescribed plan for religious services).
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'Book of Common Prayer' primarily?