catechize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, religious, and academic.
Quick answer
What does “catechize” mean?
To instruct someone systematically in the principles of a religion, especially by means of questions and answers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To instruct someone systematically in the principles of a religion, especially by means of questions and answers.
To question or examine someone intensively and systematically, often in a formal or relentless manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'catechize' (US), 'catechise' (UK) is a common alternative. The US spelling is becoming increasingly dominant globally, including in UK publications.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties—formal and often associated with religious instruction or rigorous examination.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and formal in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in texts relating to British religious history or education.
Grammar
How to Use “catechize” in a Sentence
[transitive] Subject catechizes Object (e.g., The priest catechized the children.)[transitive + on/about] Subject catechizes Object on/about Topic (e.g., She catechized him on his beliefs.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catechize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vicar will catechise the confirmation candidates before the ceremony.
- He felt he was being catechised by the suspicious official.
American English
- The pastor will catechize the new members on Wednesday nights.
- The senator was catechized by reporters about her controversial vote.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Possibly in metaphorical sense: 'The board catechized the CEO about the failed merger.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and historical contexts to describe a pedagogical or doctrinal method.
Everyday
Very uncommon. Would sound highly formal or intentionally archaic.
Technical
Specific to theological discourse and religious education.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catechize”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'ask' without the connotations of systematic, formal, or religious questioning.
- Misspelling as 'catechise' in American English contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary and most literal use is religious, it can be used metaphorically to describe any intense, systematic questioning, often with a formal or dogmatic tone.
'Interrogate' is neutral-to-negative and often associated with police or hostile questioning. 'Catechize' implies a pedagogical or doctrinal purpose, even when the questioning is severe; it's about instilling or testing knowledge or beliefs.
The most common noun is 'catechism', which refers to the book of principles or the body of doctrine itself. The act of catechizing can be called 'catechesis' or simply 'catechizing'.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. It is most commonly encountered in religious, historical, or academic writing and would sound overly formal or specialised in everyday conversation.
To instruct someone systematically in the principles of a religion, especially by means of questions and answers.
Catechize is usually formal, religious, and academic. in register.
Catechize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkatɪkʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkædəˌkaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A veritable catechism (a long, systematic set of questions).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAT and a QUIZ. Imagine a cat relentlessly quizzing you with questions—that's to CATECHIZE.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUESTIONING IS RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION; INTENSIVE TEACHING IS A DOCTRINAL EXAM.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'catechize' MOST appropriately used?