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fifth commandment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ˌfɪfθ kəˈmɑːndmənt/US/ˌfɪfθ kəˈmændmənt/

Formal, Religious

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Quick answer

What does “fifth commandment” mean?

The fifth of the Ten Commandments, given as 'Honour thy father and thy mother' (Exodus 20:12).

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The fifth of the Ten Commandments, given as 'Honour thy father and thy mother' (Exodus 20:12).

The moral and religious injunction to respect, obey, and care for one's parents, often used as a cultural and ethical reference point for filial duty.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling of 'Honour' (UK) vs. 'Honor' (US) in quoted text. No significant usage difference.

Connotations

Carries strong Judeo-Christian cultural and historical weight in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally low in general discourse; slightly higher frequency in communities with strong religious education.

Grammar

How to Use “fifth commandment” in a Sentence

The [Subject] broke/kept/upheld the fifth commandment.It was a violation of the fifth commandment.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
break the fifth commandmentobserve the fifth commandmenthonour according to the fifth commandment
medium
teach the fifth commandmentthe spirit of the fifth commandmentrefer to the fifth commandment
weak
discuss the fifth commandmenta lesson on the fifth commandmenta sermon about the fifth commandment

Examples

Examples of “fifth commandment” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • He gave a fifth-commandment lesson to the children.

American English

  • She discussed fifth-commandment ethics.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rarely used. Could appear in ethical frameworks discussing corporate 'families' or mentorship.

Academic

Used in theology, religious studies, ethics, and sociology of religion.

Everyday

Used in religious instruction or when discussing family obligations from a moral standpoint.

Technical

Not a technical term outside religious scholarship.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “fifth commandment”

Neutral

the commandment to honour parentsfilial dutyparental respect

Weak

family loyaltyrespect for elders

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “fifth commandment”

filial impietyparental disrespect

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “fifth commandment”

  • Misnumbering it (e.g., calling it the fourth commandment). Using 'command' instead of 'commandment'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditionally, it applies to children but is often interpreted as a lifelong duty of respect and care for ageing parents.

Yes, it originates in Exodus (Old Testament) and is reaffirmed by Jesus in the Gospels (New Testament).

Not exactly. 'Honour' encompasses obedience, but also respect, love, and care, especially as the child becomes an adult.

Yes, most major world religions (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism) have strong principles of filial piety.

The fifth of the Ten Commandments, given as 'Honour thy father and thy mother' (Exodus 20:12).

Fifth commandment is usually formal, religious in register.

Fifth commandment: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɪfθ kəˈmɑːndmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɪfθ kəˈmændmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “As binding as the fifth commandment.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

FIVE fingers - a child's hand in a parent's hand represents the fifth commandment.

Conceptual Metaphor

SOCIAL ORDER IS A DIVINE CONTRACT (Respecting parents upholds the foundational structure of society).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
According to the , one should honour one's father and mother.
Multiple Choice

What is the core injunction of the fifth commandment?

fifth commandment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore