parsonage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, historical, literary
Quick answer
What does “parsonage” mean?
A house provided for a parish priest (parson), typically by the church.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A house provided for a parish priest (parson), typically by the church.
The official residence of a member of the clergy, especially in Anglican or Protestant traditions; sometimes used figuratively to evoke a certain lifestyle or setting associated with clerical life.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common in British English due to the established history of the Church of England. In American English, 'parsonage' is used but terms like 'rectory' (especially in Catholic contexts) or 'clergy house' may be equally or more frequent.
Connotations
In the UK, it often carries historical, quaint, or traditional connotations, sometimes associated with rural villages. In the US, it is a standard, formal term for a Protestant minister's residence.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, but higher in British English due to historical and cultural prevalence. It appears in literature, historical texts, and church-related discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “parsonage” in a Sentence
[the/our] parsonage [verb: stood, was, has been]at/in the parsonageparsonage of [church name]parsonage belonging to the parishVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parsonage” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The parsonage roof needed urgent repair.
American English
- They attended the annual parsonage picnic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in property contexts relating to church assets.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, architectural, or sociological studies discussing church property and clergy life.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Used by members of religious communities or in villages with such historical buildings.
Technical
Used in canon law, church administration, and architectural history to denote a specific type of ecclesiastical residence.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parsonage”
- Confusing 'parsonage' with 'personage' (an important person).
- Using it as a synonym for any large old house.
- Misspelling as 'personage'.
- Assuming it is only for Anglican clergy; it applies to various Protestant traditions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, a 'rectory' was for a rector, a 'vicarage' for a vicar, and a 'parsonage' for a parson (a broader term for the incumbent). In modern UK usage, they are often used interchangeably for Church of England clergy homes, though 'parsonage' can sound slightly older or more literary.
Traditionally, yes. It is church property held in trust for the incumbent. Modern arrangements can vary, with some being sold or leased.
It is unusual. 'Presbytery', 'rectory', or 'priest's house' are the standard terms in a Catholic context. 'Parsonage' is strongly associated with Protestant, particularly Anglican, tradition.
No, it is relatively low-frequency and belongs to a formal, historical, or specific religious register. In everyday talk, people might simply say 'the vicar's house'.
A house provided for a parish priest (parson), typically by the church.
Parsonage is usually formal, historical, literary in register.
Parsonage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːs(ə)nɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːrsənɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Living in a parsonage doesn't make you a saint. (figurative, implying environment doesn't dictate character)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PARSONage - think of a PARSON (a priest) and their home as an appendAGE of their role.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CHURCH AS A HOUSEHOLD (the parsonage as the physical home of the spiritual 'father' of the parish community).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is LEAST likely to be a synonym for 'parsonage' in a modern Anglican context?