comminate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rare / ArchaicFormal / Religious / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “comminate” mean?
To threaten with divine punishment or vengeance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To threaten with divine punishment or vengeance; to denounce.
A formal ecclesiastical term meaning to pronounce a formal curse or condemnation upon someone, typically in a religious context. The action is akin to anathematizing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern difference in usage due to its extreme rarity. Historically, it might appear more in British ecclesiastical texts.
Connotations
Connotes severe, formal condemnation, often from a position of religious authority.
Frequency
Effectively obsolete in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “comminate” in a Sentence
[Subject: Priest/Church] comminate [Object: Person/Sin/Heresy]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “comminate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bishop would comminate the practice of simony in his diocese.
- The medieval church had the power to comminate those who strayed from doctrine.
American English
- The preacher comminated the sins of the town from his pulpit.
- Early Puritan leaders were known to comminate moral failings publicly.
adverb
British English
- He spoke comminatorily of the coming judgment.
- The edict was written comminatorily.
American English
- She warned them comminatorily about the consequences.
- The prophet spoke comminatorily to the king.
adjective
British English
- A comminatory tone filled the cathedral during the denunciation.
- The document had a distinctly comminatory character.
American English
- His comminatory sermon left the congregation in silence.
- The letter was more comminatory than persuasive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
May appear in historical or theological papers discussing ecclesiastical practices.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comminate”
- Using it in a secular context.
- Confusing it with 'commemorate'.
- Using it as a synonym for mild criticism.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term almost never encountered outside of historical or very specific theological discussions.
The noun is 'commination', meaning the act of threatening punishment or vengeance, especially divine vengeance.
'Comminate' is a much stronger, more specific, and archaic term implying a formal curse or threat of divine punishment. 'Denounce' is a general term for public condemnation without the necessary religious connotation.
No, its usage is historically tied to religious authority, not secular law. Modern legal terms would be 'indict', 'prosecute', or 'condemn'.
To threaten with divine punishment or vengeance.
Comminate is usually formal / religious / archaic in register.
Comminate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒmɪneɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːməneɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COMMIt a SIN' and then be threatened (ATE) with punishment → COMMINATE.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS CONDEMNATION IS A FORMAL PRONOUNCEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the verb 'to comminate'?