book of mormon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal (religious/doctrinal contexts), Informal/Neutral (when referring to the musical)
Quick answer
What does “book of mormon” mean?
A sacred text of the Latter Day Saint movement, considered by its adherents to be scripture alongside the Bible.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sacred text of the Latter Day Saint movement, considered by its adherents to be scripture alongside the Bible.
A historical and religious narrative that recounts the dealings of God with ancient inhabitants of the Americas, published by Joseph Smith in 1830. It also refers to the theatrical musical comedy by Trey Parker and Matt Stone that satirizes Mormonism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The religious text is central to a religious movement founded in the US, so references may be more frequent in American contexts. The musical originated in the US but is widely known internationally.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is religious. The secondary connotation related to the satirical musical is strong in pop-culture contexts globally.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to the geographic and cultural centrality of the Latter Day Saint movement in US history.
Grammar
How to Use “book of mormon” in a Sentence
[Subject] + believes in + the Book of Mormon[Subject] + published + the Book of Mormon + in 1830The Book of Mormon + recounts + [events]The musical + is based on + the Book of MormonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “book of mormon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He book-of-mormoned his way through the debate (informal, non-standard, meaning 'to argue using doctrines from the Book of Mormon').
- They are book-of-mormoning the new curriculum (informal, non-standard).
American English
- She totally Book-of-Mormoned me with that quote (slang, meaning 'to cite the Book of Mormon convincingly').
- He's been Book-of-Mormoning all week for his theology paper (slang).
adverb
British English
- He argued Book-of-Mormonly for his position (non-standard, rare).
American English
- She interpreted the prophecy Book-of-Mormon-style (informal).
adjective
British English
- His Book-of-Mormon knowledge is impressive.
- They attended a Book-of-Mormon study group.
American English
- She gave a Book-of-Mormon-centric lecture.
- It was a very Book-of-Mormon approach to the problem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in publishing (e.g., 'printing copies of the Book of Mormon') or entertainment (e.g., 'rights to the Book of Mormon musical').
Academic
Used in religious studies, American history, and theology departments when discussing Latter Day Saint movement origins, scriptural canon, or cultural impact.
Everyday
Used in religious contexts by members of the LDS Church. Also used in general conversation when discussing religion, Broadway musicals, or American culture.
Technical
In scriptural analysis: refers to a specific canonical text with defined chapters and verses. In literary/musical theatre studies: refers to the satirical musical's book, score, and cultural reception.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “book of mormon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “book of mormon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “book of mormon”
- Incorrect: 'the book of Mormon' (lowercase 'b' in 'book'). Correct: 'the Book of Mormon'.
- Incorrect: 'Mormon's Book'. Correct: 'Book of Mormon'.
- Confusing the religious text with the musical without providing context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered scripture and a volume of holy writ by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other Latter Day Saint denominations, alongside the Bible.
According to Latter Day Saint belief, ancient prophets in the Americas wrote the records which were abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. Joseph Smith is said to have translated these ancient records by divine gift and published them as the Book of Mormon.
Adherents believe it is another testament of Jesus Christ that complements the Bible, containing the fulness of the everlasting gospel. It is not a replacement for the Bible but is used in conjunction with it.
It is a satirical musical comedy that follows the misadventures of two young Mormon missionaries sent to a remote village in Uganda. It critiques and parodies organized religion and missionary work while also containing themes of faith and friendship.
A sacred text of the Latter Day Saint movement, considered by its adherents to be scripture alongside the Bible.
Book of mormon is usually formal (religious/doctrinal contexts), informal/neutral (when referring to the musical) in register.
Book of mormon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʊk əv ˈmɔː.mən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbʊk əv ˈmɔːr.mən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Read, ponder, and pray (a common LDS phrase regarding scripture study)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BOOK OF MORMON: Both 'Book' and 'Mormon' start with 'B' and 'M' – think 'Big Manuscript' or 'Believed Manuscript'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BOOK IS A FOUNDATION (for faith). A TEXT IS A MAP (for spiritual guidance).
Practice
Quiz
What are the two primary modern referents for the term 'Book of Mormon'?