consecration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, religious, ceremonial, literary
Quick answer
What does “consecration” mean?
The act of making something sacred or dedicating it to a religious or holy purpose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of making something sacred or dedicating it to a religious or holy purpose.
The formal and solemn dedication of a person, object, place, or moment to a specific, often sacred, function; investing something with deep symbolic or spiritual significance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows the standard -cration pattern in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with religious ritual (e.g., of a church, bishop, or altar) in both cultures. In secular contexts, implies profound, almost sacred, commitment.
Frequency
Low-frequency in general discourse but common within theological, historical, and ceremonial contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “consecration” in a Sentence
the consecration of [NOUN]consecration to [NOUN/PHRASE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “consecration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Archbishop will consecrate the new cathedral next week.
- Ground was broken for the church in 1850, but it was not consecrated until 1865.
American English
- The bishops gathered to consecrate their new colleague.
- They sought to consecrate the memorial site with a simple ceremony.
adverb
British English
- The vessels were handled consecrately by the acolyte. (Rare, archaic)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form in common use. 'In a consecrated manner' is possible but very rare.)
adjective
British English
- The consecrated bread is stored in the tabernacle.
- He stood on consecrated ground.
American English
- They used consecrated oil for the anointing.
- The cemetery is consecrated land.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'His consecration to the company's ideals was unquestionable.'
Academic
Common in religious studies, history, theology, and art history discussing rituals, sacred spaces, and medieval institutions.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Used almost exclusively in religious or formal ceremonial contexts.
Technical
Specific term in Christian liturgy (especially Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican) for rites dedicating a church, altar, or bishop.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “consecration”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “consecration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “consecration”
- Misspelling: *consecration (correct), *consacration (incorrect).
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'dedication' would suffice.
- Confusing with 'consecution' (a sequence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its core meaning is religious. However, it is used metaphorically in formal contexts to describe profound, sacred-like dedication to a non-religious cause (e.g., 'consecration to science').
'Consecration' is a more specific, formal, and solemn subset of 'dedication'. It almost always involves a ritual or ceremony and implies making something holy or sacred. 'Dedication' is broader and can be secular (e.g., dedicating a book).
Yes. In Christianity, bishops are consecrated (ordained to the episcopate). Some religious roles, like nuns or monks, may take vows of consecration. More broadly, one can speak of a 'consecrated life' dedicated to God.
The direct antonym is 'desecration' (violating the sacredness of something). 'Deconsecration' is the formal act of removing a sacred status (e.g., from a church building).
The act of making something sacred or dedicating it to a religious or holy purpose.
Consecration is usually formal, religious, ceremonial, literary in register.
Consecration: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒnsɪˈkreɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːnsɪˈkreɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A life of consecration”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CON + SACRED + ACTION = Consecration is the action of making something sacred.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSECRATION IS A TRANSFORMATIVE INVESTMENT (of sacredness). / DEDICATION IS A SACRIFICIAL GIFT.
Practice
Quiz
In a secular, metaphorical sense, 'consecration' most closely implies: