pentecost: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (Religious/Cultural contexts); Low (General contexts)Formal, Religious, Historical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “pentecost” mean?
A Christian festival occurring on the seventh Sunday after Easter, celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Christian festival occurring on the seventh Sunday after Easter, celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
The Jewish festival of Shavuot, occurring fifty days after Passover. Figuratively, it can refer to an occasion of spiritual awakening or empowerment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Whitsun' is a common traditional alternative, especially in older or more formal contexts (e.g., 'Whit Monday' bank holiday). In the US, 'Pentecost' is the almost exclusive term for the Christian holiday.
Connotations
In the UK, 'Whitsun' may carry more cultural/historical connotations (e.g., associated with Morris dancing, church ales). In the US, 'Pentecost' is strongly linked to Christian liturgical and theological contexts.
Frequency
'Pentecost' is universally understood in both regions for the Christian festival. 'Whitsun' is declining in UK usage but remains part of the cultural lexicon.
Grammar
How to Use “pentecost” in a Sentence
[Preposition 'at'] We gather at Pentecost.[Preposition 'on'] The event occurred on Pentecost.[Genitive] Pentecost's significance is profound.[Adjectival] Pentecostal worship.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pentecost” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community will pentecost their new hall with a special service. (Very rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The Whitsun/Pentecost festivities included a fair.
American English
- The Pentecost sermon focused on the gifts of the Spirit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear metaphorically: 'The product launch was a Pentecost of creativity for the team.'
Academic
Common in theological, historical, and religious studies contexts. Used precisely to denote the specific Jewish or Christian festival.
Everyday
Used primarily by religious individuals or communities. In secular UK contexts, 'Whitsun' might be used more casually to refer to the late Spring bank holiday period.
Technical
Used in liturgical calendars, biblical scholarship, and comparative religion studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pentecost”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pentecost”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pentecost”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈpɛntɪkəʊst/ (adding an extra syllable).
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a pentecost') instead of a proper noun.
- Confusing the date with Easter.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in the UK, Whitsun is the traditional name for the Christian festival of Pentecost, though 'Pentecost' is also widely used and understood.
The name comes from the Greek 'pentēkostē hēmera', meaning 'the fiftieth day', reflecting its timing fifty days after Passover/Easter.
Rarely, except in historical or cultural references (e.g., the Whitsun holidays) or in the extended metaphorical sense of a sudden inspirational event.
Yes, it is a proper noun referring to a specific festival and should always be capitalized: Pentecost.
A Christian festival occurring on the seventh Sunday after Easter, celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
Pentecost is usually formal, religious, historical, literary in register.
Pentecost: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɛntɪkɒst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛntɪkɔːst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Pentecost of innovation (figurative: a sudden outpouring of new ideas)”
- “To await one's Pentecost (to await a moment of inspiration or empowerment)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'PEN fifty COST': Pentecost comes fifty days after Easter, and the 'cost' was the promise of the Spirit.
Conceptual Metaphor
PENTECOST IS A SUDDEN GIFT OF POWER/INSPIRATION (e.g., 'a Pentecost of artistic fervor').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a traditional British name for Pentecost?