chapter and verse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; somewhat literary or rhetorical.
Quick answer
What does “chapter and verse” mean?
The exact reference or specific details for a statement, especially from a religious text like the Bible.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The exact reference or specific details for a statement, especially from a religious text like the Bible.
Used to describe providing precise, detailed, and often irrefutable evidence or information to support a claim, argument, or instruction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; commonly understood and used in both varieties.
Connotations
The Biblical origin gives it a slightly formal, authoritative, or traditional tone in both varieties.
Frequency
Moderately low but stable frequency in both. Possibly slightly more common in written discourse (e.g., journalism, academic criticism) than in casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “chapter and verse” in a Sentence
to give sb chapter and verse on sthto quote/cite/provide chapter and verse (for sth)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chapter and verse” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She gave a chapter-and-verse breakdown of the committee's failures.
American English
- He provided a chapter-and-verse account of the regulatory changes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The auditor demanded chapter and verse for every transaction listed in the quarterly report."
Academic
"In her critique, she provided chapter and verse from the primary texts to dismantle the prevailing theory."
Everyday
"My grandfather can give you chapter and verse on the history of this village—he knows every date and name."
Technical
Less common. Might be used metaphorically in legal or historical research contexts: "The barrister presented chapter and verse from previous case law."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chapter and verse”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chapter and verse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chapter and verse”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a chapter-and-verse account' is borderline; 'a chapter-and-verse detail' is incorrect). It is primarily used in noun phrases following verbs like 'give', 'cite', 'provide'. Confusing it with 'verse and chapter' (non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin is Biblical, it is now commonly used in secular contexts to mean providing detailed, authoritative evidence or precise information on any topic.
No, it is not standard to use it as a verb (e.g., 'He chapter-and-versed the incident'). It functions as a noun phrase, typically the object of verbs like 'give', 'cite', or 'provide'.
'Chapter and verse' carries a stronger implication of citing an authoritative, verifiable source or providing irrefutable specifics. 'In detail' simply means providing many particulars, without the connotation of authoritative proof.
It is usually not hyphenated when used as a noun phrase ("give me chapter and verse"). Hyphens are sometimes used when it functions as a compound modifier before a noun ("a chapter-and-verse account"), but this is less common.
The exact reference or specific details for a statement, especially from a religious text like the Bible.
Chapter and verse is usually formal to neutral; somewhat literary or rhetorical. in register.
Chapter and verse: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃæptər ən ˈvɜːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃæptər ən ˈvɜːrs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give me chapter and verse on that.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a stern teacher pointing to a Bible and saying, "Don't just tell me the story, give me the CHAPTER number AND the VERSE number." This captures the demand for precise, verifiable detail.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION IS A TEXT (specifically a sacred or authoritative text). Providing proof is citing lines from that text.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'chapter and verse' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?