clapham sect: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency / Specialized)Formal, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “clapham sect” mean?
A group of influential evangelical social reformers in late 18th and early 19th century Britain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of influential evangelical social reformers in late 18th and early 19th century Britain.
A historical term referring to an informal network of wealthy, upper-middle-class evangelical Anglicans, associated with the London suburb of Clapham, who campaigned for moral and social reforms, most notably the abolition of slavery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily used and studied in British historical contexts. In American English, it is known almost exclusively in academic historical discussions.
Connotations
In British English, it carries connotations of social conscience, evangelical piety, and effective political lobbying within the establishment. In American English, it is primarily a neutral historical descriptor.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, but higher in British academic/historical texts. Virtually never used in everyday conversation in either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “clapham sect” in a Sentence
The + Clapham Sect + verb (e.g., campaigned, advocated, consisted of)member/part of + the Clapham SectVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clapham sect” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The movement was heavily influenced by those who had been associated with the Clapham Sect.
American English
- Historians credit the Clapham Sect with galvanising the anti-slavery movement.
adjective
British English
- The Clapham Sect ideology emphasised practical philanthropy.
American English
- His views reflected a distinct Clapham Sect ethos.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in history, religious studies, and sociology papers to discuss 19th-century social reform movements in Britain.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A precise historiographical term for a specific group of activists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clapham sect”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clapham sect”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clapham sect”
- Misspelling as 'Clapham *sect*' (lowercase 's').
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'They formed a clapham sect').
- Confusing it with a modern religious sect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it was an informal network of friends and families with shared evangelical beliefs and social goals, not a formally constituted society.
Because many of its leading members lived in the then-village of Clapham, south of London, near Clapham Common.
Not in this context. Historically, 'sect' could simply mean a group of people with shared beliefs. The nickname 'the Saints' was also used, sometimes affectionately, sometimes critically.
William Wilberforce, Hannah More, Henry Thornton, Granville Sharp, and Zachary Macaulay are among the most prominent.
A group of influential evangelical social reformers in late 18th and early 19th century Britain.
Clapham sect: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklæpəm sɛkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklæpəm sɛkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a group of people CLAPping in a HAMlet (village) while making a SECTion of society better. They are the 'Clapham Sect,' clapping for change in their community.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PRESSURE GROUP (as a moral force pushing against social injustice).
Practice
Quiz
What was the primary historical significance of the Clapham Sect?