intercommunion
C2Formal, Academic, Ecclesiastical
Definition
Meaning
The act or state of sharing in common, especially mutual participation in religious sacraments or fellowship between different Christian churches.
A state of mutual communication, sharing, or connection between groups, systems, or entities; reciprocal exchange or participation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in theological and ecclesiastical contexts to describe formal relationships between Christian denominations. In secular use, it can describe deep mutual understanding or shared experience between groups, but this is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in UK ecclesiastical writing due to the established Church of England's historical dialogues with other churches. In the US, it may appear more in academic theological contexts or formal ecumenical documents.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries strong connotations of formal, often institutional, religious fellowship. Implies a significant step beyond mere cooperation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Almost exclusively found in specialized religious, historical, or sociological texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intercommunion between X and Yintercommunion with Xto be in intercommunionto enter into intercommunionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a table of intercommunion”
- “to break intercommunion”
- “to restore intercommunion”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, church history, and sociology of religion to describe formal relationships between religious bodies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be misunderstood by most general listeners.
Technical
A precise term in ecumenism (the movement for Christian unity) denoting a specific, agreed level of mutual recognition and shared sacramental life.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The Porvoo Agreement established a relationship of full intercommunion between British Anglican and Nordic Lutheran churches.
- Theological discussions on intercommunion can be complex and sensitive.
American English
- The document outlined steps toward eventual intercommunion between the two denominations.
- They shared a degree of intercommunion despite some doctrinal differences.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The two churches are not yet in full intercommunion, but they cooperate on many social projects.
- The concept of intercommunion is important for understanding modern ecumenical movements.
- The landmark agreement permitted limited intercommunion in specific pastoral circumstances.
- Historians debate the exact point at which intercommunion between the Eastern and Western churches ceased.
- The quest for restored intercommunion lies at the heart of the ecumenical endeavour, demanding rigorous theological honesty and profound charity.
- Their relationship was characterised by a profound intellectual and spiritual intercommunion that transcended institutional boundaries.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'INTERnational COMMUNION' – a communion that happens between (inter) different groups.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS UNITY IS SHARING A MEAL (from the Eucharist/Communion sacrament).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'взаимодействие' (interaction) или 'общение' (communication). 'Intercommunion' — специфический церковный термин, ближайший аналог — 'евхаристическое общение' или 'литургическое общение'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a fancy synonym for 'communication'.
- Confusing it with 'intercommunication' (which is about systems exchanging information).
- Using it in a secular context where 'interdependence' or 'interconnectedness' would be appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'intercommunion' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Communion' refers to the shared fellowship or sacrament within a single group or church (e.g., 'Holy Communion'). 'Intercommunion' specifically refers to the sharing of that fellowship or sacraments *between* distinct, separate churches or denominations.
It is extremely rare and generally considered stylistically jarring or incorrect. Words like 'interdependence', 'interconnectedness', or 'mutual exchange' are used for secular concepts of sharing.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized term. An average native speaker might never encounter it outside of specific religious or academic discussions.
It is exclusively a noun. There are no standard verb (to intercommune exists but is different) or adjective forms in common use.