easter
B1Neutral (used across all registers from formal religious contexts to informal everyday speech)
Definition
Meaning
the most important Christian festival, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, held annually on a Sunday between late March and late April.
The period or season of the Christian liturgical calendar surrounding this festival, including Lent, Holy Week, and Eastertide; also used figuratively to signify a time of renewal, rebirth, or revival.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can refer to the specific day (Easter Sunday), the entire liturgical period, or the associated commercial/secular holiday (e.g., chocolate eggs, bunnies). The secular meaning is dominant in non-religious contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor differences exist in typical festive foods and some commercial branding.
Connotations
In both cultures, carries strong religious connotations for observant Christians and strong secular/commercial connotations in general society.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties during the spring period.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
celebrate Easterspend Easter (with someone)wish someone a Happy EasterEaster falls on (a date)Easter is early/late this yearVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be as happy as Easter”
- “an Easter bonnet”
- “don't put all your Easter eggs in one basket (variation of the common idiom)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the retail period, bank holidays, and seasonal marketing (e.g., 'Easter promotions').
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and cultural studies contexts.
Everyday
Primarily refers to the public holiday, family gatherings, and associated traditions like egg hunts.
Technical
In computing, refers to 'Easter egg' – a hidden feature or message. In religion, refers to the movable feast date calculated by specific formulae.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- We're going to Cornwall for the Easter holidays.
- What are your plans for Easter this year?
American English
- The kids are on spring break for Easter.
- We host a big Easter brunch every year.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like Easter eggs.
- Easter is in spring.
- My family always has a special meal on Easter Sunday.
- The school holidays are two weeks at Easter.
- The date of Easter varies each year according to the lunar calendar.
- The city centre holds a traditional Easter parade.
- The theologian delivered a profound sermon on the symbolism of the Easter resurrection.
- The government's new policy was hailed as an Easter of hope for the industry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
EASTER: Everyone Anticipates Spring Time's Excellent Renewal.
Conceptual Metaphor
EASTER IS REBIRTH / EASTER IS A NEW BEGINNING (e.g., 'the country experienced an economic easter').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: Russian 'Пасха' (Paskha) is the direct equivalent. 'Easter' is not related to the direction 'east' in modern meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Writing it with a lowercase 'e' in religious contexts (correct: 'Easter').
- Saying 'on Easter' instead of 'at Easter' for the period (UK) or 'on Easter' for the day.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a typical association with secular Easter?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Easter is a movable feast. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox (March 21).
Eggs are an ancient symbol of new life and rebirth, which was adopted by Christians to represent Jesus's resurrection and the empty tomb.
Yes, 'Happy Easter' is the standard, culturally neutral greeting for the period, acceptable in both religious and secular contexts.
Easter is the Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Passover (Pesach) is the Jewish festival celebrating the Exodus from Egypt. They are distinct but sometimes overlap in date.