high altar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Ecclesiastical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “high altar” mean?
The principal or most important altar in a church, typically centrally located at the eastern end of the chancel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The principal or most important altar in a church, typically centrally located at the eastern end of the chancel.
A symbol or central focus of reverence, ceremony, or authority within a religious or figurative context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. UK usage is more prevalent in discussions of historic church architecture (e.g., Anglican cathedrals). US usage may more frequently occur in Catholic contexts.
Connotations
Both share connotations of tradition, sanctity, and centrality. In UK contexts, it may evoke heritage and established church history; in US contexts, it can evoke grandeur or traditional liturgy.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in UK due to more numerous historic churches with distinct chancels.
Grammar
How to Use “high altar” in a Sentence
The [noun phrase] + [verb] + the high altar.At/near/before the high altar + [clause].The high altar + [verb phrase] + [prepositional phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high altar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bishop will high-altar the ceremony. (Note: 'high altar' is not a verb; this is a non-standard, fabricated example to show it doesn't verb.)
American English
- They decided to high-altar the event. (Note: 'high altar' is not a verb; this is a non-standard, fabricated example to show it doesn't verb.)
adverb
British English
- The procession moved high-altarwards. (Note: 'high altar' does not form an adverb; this is non-standard.)
American English
- He walked high-altar-ward. (Note: 'high altar' does not form an adverb; this is non-standard.)
adjective
British English
- The high-altar candles were lit. (Hyphenated attributive use is rare but possible.)
American English
- The high-altar retable was restored. (Hyphenated attributive use is rare but possible.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically: 'The CEO's office was the high altar of corporate decision-making.'
Academic
Common in Art History, Theology, Architecture: 'The Romanesque high altar featured a carved retable.'
Everyday
Very rare outside specific religious or touristic contexts.
Technical
Standard term in Ecclesiology and Liturgical Studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high altar”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high altar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high altar”
- Using 'high altar' to describe any tall altar (it's about primacy, not height).
- Confusing it with 'altar rail' or 'reredos'.
- Capitalising it incorrectly (not a proper noun unless part of a specific name: 'the High Altar of Westminster Abbey').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the 'high' refers to its primary importance and often its location in the raised chancel (sanctuary), not necessarily its physical height.
Typically, no. By definition, there is one principal or 'high' altar. Other altars are called side altars or chapel altars.
No. It is capitalised only when it is part of the official name of a specific altar (e.g., 'the High Altar of St. Peter's Basilica'). In general descriptive use, it is in lowercase.
The term is less common in many modern Protestant traditions that may use 'communion table'. However, it is standard in Anglican, Lutheran, and some other liturgical Protestant churches with traditional architecture.
The principal or most important altar in a church, typically centrally located at the eastern end of the chancel.
High altar is usually formal, ecclesiastical, literary in register.
High altar: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈɔːltə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈɑːltər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lead to the high altar (archaic: to marry).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HIGH on a platform, at the ALTAR's heart – the church's most important part.
Conceptual Metaphor
CENTRALITY IS HEIGHT / IMPORTANCE IS ELEVATION (The most important thing is 'high' and central).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a 'high altar'?