compline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+ (Very Low)Formal / Ecclesiastical / Literary
Quick answer
What does “compline” mean?
The final church service of the day in the Christian tradition of canonical hours.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The final church service of the day in the Christian tradition of canonical hours.
Specifically refers to the last of the canonical hours, traditionally recited before retiring for the night. The service often includes prayers, psalms, hymns, and readings focused on peace, protection, and reflection on the day.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes traditional liturgy, monastic life, medieval Christianity, and a sense of solemn daily conclusion.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both regions, limited to specific religious, academic, or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “compline” in a Sentence
ATTEND + complineSAY/CHANT/SING + complinecompline + IS + ADJ (e.g., sung, said)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or liturgical studies discussing Christian monastic practices.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Unfamiliar to the vast majority of native speakers.
Technical
A precise term within Christian liturgy and the study of canonical hours.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “compline”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “compline”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “compline”
- Misspelling as 'compliment' or 'complaint'.
- Using it as a synonym for any evening activity.
- Incorrect pronunciation with stress on the second syllable (e.g., /kəmˈplaɪn/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialized term used almost exclusively in religious, historical, or literary contexts.
It is a service of prayer and reflection intended to commend the soul to God's protection through the night, marking the completion of the day's liturgical cycle.
Technically, no. It refers specifically to the formal canonical hour. Informally, it might be used poetically, but "bedtime prayer" or "night prayer" are the common terms.
Vespers is the evening prayer service, typically celebrated in the late afternoon or early evening. Compline is the last service, prayed just before retiring for the night.
The final church service of the day in the Christian tradition of canonical hours.
Compline is usually formal / ecclesiastical / literary in register.
Compline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒmplɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːmplɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COMPLeting the day's prayers with compLINE' or 'COMPLete at nINE (pm)'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SLEEP IS A RELIGIOUS DEPARTURE (compline prepares the soul for sleep as a form of nightly death/resurrection).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'compline' most appropriately used?