chrism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Religious
Quick answer
What does “chrism” mean?
Consecrated oil used in sacraments such as baptism, confirmation, and ordination in Christian churches.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Consecrated oil used in sacraments such as baptism, confirmation, and ordination in Christian churches.
Any sacred or ceremonial ointment or anointing oil; by extension, a consecrating or sanctifying influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is uniformly used in formal, ecclesiastical contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of religious sanctity and ritual.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “chrism” in a Sentence
anoint someone with chrismbless the chrismconsecrate the chrismreceive chrismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chrism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The chrismal oils were prepared by the bishop.
American English
- The chrismal sacrament is central to the rite.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or religious studies texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Specific term in Christian liturgy and sacramental theology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chrism”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkrɪzm/ (missing the vowel), confusing with 'chasm' or 'prism', using in a non-religious context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Chrism is consecrated oil used for anointing. Holy water is blessed water used for blessings and purification.
Typically, its use is reserved for clergy within the prescribed liturgical rites of churches that have this sacrament.
Chrism is a consecrated oil often containing balsam. Myrrh is a specific aromatic resin, sometimes used as an ingredient in chrism but also used independently.
No. It is a highly specialised religious term unfamiliar to most people outside theological or historical contexts.
Consecrated oil used in sacraments such as baptism, confirmation, and ordination in Christian churches.
Chrism is usually formal, religious in register.
Chrism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; term is too specific]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHRISt' + 'M' for 'oil' – the holy oil used in Christ-related sacraments.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHRISM IS A SEAL OF THE SPIRIT (common theological metaphor).
Practice
Quiz
What is chrism primarily used for?