consecrated: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, religious, literary
Quick answer
What does “consecrated” mean?
Made or declared sacred through a religious ceremony.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Made or declared sacred through a religious ceremony; dedicated to a divine purpose.
Dedicated solemnly to a particular purpose, cause, or service, often with a sense of deep commitment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Slight preference in American English for 'dedicated' in secular contexts where British might still use 'consecrated'.
Connotations
Strongly religious in both variants. In secular use, implies an almost sacred level of seriousness.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse. More common in UK contexts related to the established church (e.g., 'consecrated ground').
Grammar
How to Use “consecrated” in a Sentence
to be consecrated as + roleto consecrate + object + to + purposeconsecrated + nounconsecrated by + agentVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “consecrated” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Archbishop will consecrate the new chapel next week.
- Ground must be consecrated before burial.
American English
- They consecrated the memorial to the fallen soldiers.
- The bishop was consecrated in a grand ceremony.
adjective
British English
- They were buried in consecrated ground.
- Only consecrated wine may be used in the Eucharist.
American English
- The chapel is a consecrated space.
- He handled the consecrated host with reverence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical, high-register contexts: 'He consecrated his life to the company.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, and literature discussing sacred rites or dedicated purpose.
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly encountered in discussions of religion or burial.
Technical
Used in theology, ecclesiastical law, and liturgy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “consecrated”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “consecrated”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “consecrated”
- Using it as a simple synonym for 'dedicated'. Mispronouncing: /ˈkɒnʃəkreɪtɪd/ (incorrect). Using in overly casual contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Consecrated' implies a formal, often public, ritual making something sacred for specific religious use (like a church or altar). 'Blessed' is broader, can be informal, and asks for divine favour on something existing.
Yes, but it's highly formal and metaphorical, implying a deep, solemn dedication that is treated as sacred (e.g., 'a life consecrated to science').
It is primarily the past participle of the verb 'consecrate' and functions as an adjective (a consecrated bishop, consecrated ground).
The direct opposite is 'desecrated' (violated something sacred). For the act of removing sacred status, 'deconsecrated' or 'secularized' is used.
Made or declared sacred through a religious ceremony.
Consecrated is usually formal, religious, literary in register.
Consecrated: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒnsɪkreɪtɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnsəkreɪtɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “consecrated ground”
- “the consecrated host”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CON (together) + SACRED (holy) + ATED (made) = made holy together in a ceremony.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEDICATION IS MAKING SACRED; A PURPOSE IS A SACRED SPACE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'consecrated' LEAST appropriate?