divine service: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (primarily used in formal religious or historical contexts)Formal, Ecclesiastical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “divine service” mean?
A formal act of worship, especially in a Christian church.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal act of worship, especially in a Christian church; a church service.
A religious ceremony or liturgy conducted according to a prescribed form. Can also refer, historically or metaphorically, to any duty performed with a profound sense of devotion or purpose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English, particularly within formal Church of England contexts (e.g., 'Morning Prayer' or 'Evensong'). In American English, 'church service', 'worship service', or specific terms like 'Mass' are more prevalent.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries a traditional, established church connotation. In the US, it may sound slightly archaic or specifically Anglican/Lutheran.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK ecclesiastical and historical writing; lower frequency in general US discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “divine service” in a Sentence
The vicar conducted [divine service] at ten o'clock.Attendance at [divine service] was expected.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, and liturgical studies.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation; more likely in communities with strong liturgical traditions.
Technical
A specific term in ecclesiology and liturgics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “divine service”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “divine service”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “divine service”
- Using 'divine service' to refer to any helpful act (e.g., 'Her help was a divine service.' is poetic but non-standard).
- Capitalising it incorrectly (not a proper noun unless part of a specific title).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Mass' is a specific type of divine service centring on the Eucharist, used in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican churches. 'Divine service' is a broader term that can include Mass but also services like Matins or Evensong.
It is strongly associated with Christianity. Using it for other religions would be atypical and potentially seen as imposing a Christian framework. Terms like 'religious service' or specific names (e.g., 'Jumu'ah', 'puja') are preferred.
It is traditional and formal. While still correct and used within specific religious communities, it sounds archaic or very formal to many modern speakers, who would typically say 'church service' or 'worship service'.
The 'Divine Office' (or Liturgy of the Hours) refers specifically to the cycle of daily prayers (like Matins, Vespers). 'Divine service' is a more general term for any formal public worship, which could include the Office or sacramental services like the Eucharist.
A formal act of worship, especially in a Christian church.
Divine service is usually formal, ecclesiastical, literary in register.
Divine service: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˌvaɪn ˈsɜːvɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /dəˌvaɪn ˈsɜːrvɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Divine service is held here.”
- “As regular as divine service.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'divine' (from God) + 'service' (a formal event) = a formal event for God.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC DUTY IS A RELIGIOUS CEREMONY (e.g., 'He performed his duties with the regularity of divine service.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'divine service' LEAST likely to be used?