concelebrate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / SpecialistFormal / Technical / Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “concelebrate” mean?
To officiate jointly in performing a religious rite, especially the Eucharist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To officiate jointly in performing a religious rite, especially the Eucharist.
To celebrate something together, though this usage is extremely rare and almost always restricted to formal, often religious, contexts of joint participation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference, but the usage context (Catholic liturgy) is slightly more prominent in the UK/Europe. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Technical, formal, specifically clerical. Carries connotations of shared authority and sacramental unity within the priesthood.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties. It might be encountered marginally more in UK religious publications due to the established state church structure, but this is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “concelebrate” in a Sentence
[Priests/They] concelebrate [Mass/the Eucharist].[Priest X] concelebrated with [Priest Y].It is an honour to concelebrate.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concelebrate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The visiting bishop will concelebrate the midday Mass.
- Canon law specifies when priests may concelebrate.
American English
- Three priests concelebrated the Easter Vigil service.
- He was invited to concelebrate at the diocesan convention.
adverb
British English
- Not used. No standard adverbial form.
American English
- Not used. No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The concelebrant priests processed in together.
- A concelebrated Mass requires specific preparation.
American English
- All concelebrating clergy wore white vestments.
- The concelebrant bishop gave the final blessing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in theological papers or liturgical studies.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Specific term in Catholic canon law and liturgical practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “concelebrate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “concelebrate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concelebrate”
- Using it as a fancy synonym for 'celebrate together' in non-religious contexts (e.g., 'We concelebrated her birthday').
- Misspelling as 'concelabrate' or 'conscelebrate'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is a common mistake. The word is a technical liturgical term specific to clergy jointly performing the Eucharist or similar rites. For general joint celebration, use 'celebrate together'.
Extremely rarely, if ever. Its definition and usage are firmly rooted in Christian, particularly Catholic and Anglican, liturgical practice.
The primary noun is 'concelebration'. A person who concelebrates is a 'concelebrant'.
For most learners, it is not a necessary word. It is only relevant for those studying theology, working in religious contexts, reading specific historical/ecclesiastical texts, or building a comprehensive passive vocabulary.
To officiate jointly in performing a religious rite, especially the Eucharist.
Concelebrate is usually formal / technical / ecclesiastical in register.
Concelebrate: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈsɛlɪbreɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈsɛləˌbreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is too specialised for idiomatic use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CON (together) + CELEBRATE (perform a rite). Priests CONgregate to CELEBRATE Mass together.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHARED AUTHORITY IS JOINT PERFORMANCE OF A SACRED ACT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'concelebrate' correctly used?