dormition of the blessed virgin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Religious, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “dormition of the blessed virgin” mean?
The feast day commemorating the death, or 'falling asleep', of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The feast day commemorating the death, or 'falling asleep', of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
In Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches, this term refers to the theological belief in the peaceful passing of the Virgin Mary and, for many traditions, her subsequent bodily assumption into heaven.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used almost exclusively in theological or liturgical contexts in both regions. No significant dialectal difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Connotes high-church liturgical tradition, specifically Eastern Christianity. It is a technical term outside mainstream Protestantism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse; frequency is identical and confined to specific religious communities in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “dormition of the blessed virgin” in a Sentence
The [Dormition of the Blessed Virgin] is celebrated on August 15th.They observed [the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dormition of the blessed virgin” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Proper noun.
American English
- N/A - Proper noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A - Proper noun. Can be used attributively: 'the Dormition icon'.
- N/A - Proper noun. Can be used attributively: 'the Dormition service'.
American English
- N/A - Proper noun. Can be used attributively: 'the Dormition icon'.
- N/A - Proper noun. Can be used attributively: 'the Dormition service'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological papers, church history, and liturgical studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of religious communities that observe the feast.
Technical
A precise term in comparative liturgy and Eastern Christian theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dormition of the blessed virgin”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dormition of the blessed virgin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dormition of the blessed virgin”
- Misspelling as 'domition'.
- Using it as a general word for any death (it is a proper noun for a specific event).
- Confusing it with the Roman Catholic 'Assumption', which is a different, though related, doctrinal emphasis.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related but emphasize different aspects. The Dormition focuses on Mary's peaceful death. The Assumption, a Roman Catholic dogma, focuses on her body being taken up to heaven. Many Eastern traditions encompass both in the concept of Dormition.
It is celebrated on August 15th in most Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches that follow the Julian calendar, though the date on the civil Gregorian calendar varies.
No. 'Dormition' (capitalized) is a proper noun for this specific religious event. The lowercase 'dormition' is an archaic, literary term for sleep or death, but it is extremely rare in modern English outside this context.
Generally, no. It is primarily a term used in Eastern Christianity and some high-church Anglican contexts. Most Protestant denominations do not observe this feast.
The feast day commemorating the death, or 'falling asleep', of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Dormition of the blessed virgin is usually formal, religious, ecclesiastical in register.
Dormition of the blessed virgin: in British English it is pronounced /dɔːˈmɪʃ.ən əv ðə ˌblɛs.ɪd ˈvɜː.dʒɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɔːrˈmɪʃ.ən əv ðə ˌblɛs.ɪd ˈvɝː.dʒɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DORMition' – it sounds like 'dormitory' where people sleep. The Dormition is when Mary 'fell asleep' in death.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH IS SLEEP (a peaceful, temporary state).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'Dormition' in this phrase?