crucifix: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Neutral, Religious
Quick answer
What does “crucifix” mean?
A cross, usually with a figure of Jesus Christ attached, used as a symbol of the Christian faith, especially in Roman Catholicism and certain other denominations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cross, usually with a figure of Jesus Christ attached, used as a symbol of the Christian faith, especially in Roman Catholicism and certain other denominations.
By extension, any representation of the crucifixion; a symbolic object or situation of intense suffering or sacrifice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. The term is used identically in religious and general contexts.
Connotations
Strongly associated with Roman Catholic and High Anglican traditions. In Protestant denominations that avoid iconography, 'cross' is preferred.
Frequency
Frequency is similar in both varieties, determined more by religious context than regional dialect.
Grammar
How to Use “crucifix” in a Sentence
VERB + crucifix (e.g., wear, carry, hang, kiss, bless)ADJECTIVE + crucifix (e.g., large, small, silver, wooden, ornate)PREPOSITION + crucifix (e.g., on the altar, around his/her neck, against her chest)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crucifix” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in context of jewellery retail (e.g., 'We sell silver crucifixes.')
Academic
Used in religious studies, art history, and historical contexts discussing Christian iconography.
Everyday
Used when discussing religious jewellery, church artefacts, or in metaphorical expressions about suffering.
Technical
Used in theology to distinguish a cross with the corpus from a plain cross. Used in jewellery-making/art description.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crucifix”
- Using 'crucifix' to refer to any cross (it must have the figure). Incorrect plural: 'crucifixes' (not 'crucifii' or 'crucifixi'). Confusing with 'crucify' (verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'cross' is the general shape or symbol (†). A 'crucifix' is specifically a cross with a representation (corpus) of the body of Jesus Christ attached to it.
No. Crucifixes are most commonly used in Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican (High Church) traditions. Many Protestant denominations prefer an empty cross, symbolising the resurrection rather than the suffering of Christ.
Yes, though it's a strong metaphor. It can refer to any burdensome problem, source of suffering, or sacrifice that one must 'bear', e.g., 'His addiction became his personal crucifix.'
The standard plural is 'crucifixes'. The word comes from Latin ('cruci fixus' meaning 'fixed to a cross'), and follows the regular English pluralisation rule of adding '-es'.
A cross, usually with a figure of Jesus Christ attached, used as a symbol of the Christian faith, especially in Roman Catholicism and certain other denominations.
Crucifix is usually formal, neutral, religious in register.
Crucifix: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkruːsɪfɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkruːsəfɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bear one's own crucifix (metaphorical: endure one's personal suffering)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CRUCIFIX = CRUCIfy + FIXed. It's the cross with the figure of the crucified Christ fixed upon it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CRUCIFIX IS A SYMBOL OF SACRIFICE / SUFFERING (e.g., 'He carried his failures like a personal crucifix').
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining feature of a crucifix, as opposed to a simple cross?