corpus christi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, religious, geographical
Quick answer
What does “corpus christi” mean?
A Christian feast day, observed primarily in Catholic and some Anglican traditions, celebrating the Eucharist (the Body and Blood of Christ).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Christian feast day, observed primarily in Catholic and some Anglican traditions, celebrating the Eucharist (the Body and Blood of Christ).
Refers to the feast day itself, including its associated processions and public celebrations; also the name of a city in Texas, USA.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is almost exclusively used for the Christian festival. In the US, while the religious sense exists, it is also widely recognized as a place name.
Connotations
UK: Strongly religious/cultural. US: Can be religious or geographical, depending on region.
Frequency
Higher frequency in religious communities (both regions). In general American English, the city name may be more frequently encountered than the feast.
Grammar
How to Use “corpus christi” in a Sentence
[Name of place] Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi [is/was celebrated]observe Corpus ChristiVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corpus christi” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The village will procession to Corpus Christi.
American English
- The parish will observe Corpus Christi next Thursday.
adverb
British English
- The feast was celebrated Corpus-Christi-style, with great pomp.
American English
- They decorated the altar beautifully, very Corpus Christi.
adjective
British English
- The Corpus Christi procession is a major event.
American English
- We're planning a Corpus Christi weekend getaway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism for the city of Corpus Christi.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, and cultural anthropology.
Everyday
In religious communities or when referring to the Texas city.
Technical
Specific in liturgical calendars and ecclesiastical law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corpus christi”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corpus christi”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corpus christi”
- Not capitalizing both words, writing 'Corpus Christ' or 'Corpse Christi'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a public holiday in some predominantly Catholic countries (e.g., parts of Germany, Spain, Brazil). In the UK and US, it is not a federal/national public holiday.
The name was given by Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda, who named the bay 'Corpus Christi' (Body of Christ) because he arrived on the feast day, likely in 1519.
In English, it is commonly pronounced /ˌkɔːr.pəs ˈkrɪs.ti/. The original Latin would be different, but the Anglicized version is standard.
No, you typically do not use the definite article ('the') before it, whether referring to the feast ('We celebrate Corpus Christi') or the city ('I live in Corpus Christi').
A Christian feast day, observed primarily in Catholic and some Anglican traditions, celebrating the Eucharist (the Body and Blood of Christ).
Corpus christi is usually formal, religious, geographical in register.
Corpus christi: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔː.pəs ˈkrɪs.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.pəs ˈkrɪs.ti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'corpus' (body) and 'Christ' - the feast of the 'Body of Christ'.
Conceptual Metaphor
The city as a body (corpus) of land on the coast.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Corpus Christi' LEAST likely to be used in general American English?