sacrament
C1Formal, Religious, Literary
Definition
Meaning
A Christian rite or ceremony, such as baptism or the Eucharist, that is considered an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace.
Any solemn, formal act or ritual considered sacred, binding, or of profound significance. Often used metaphorically for something considered inviolable, sacred, or a profound commitment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun when referring to specific rites (e.g., 'the seven sacraments'), but can be used as a singular noun for the concept (e.g., 'the sacrament of marriage'). Metaphorical use is common in formal/literary contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None in core meaning or usage. Differences arise only from the predominant denominations in each region (e.g., Anglican vs. Baptist emphasis).
Connotations
In the UK, may more readily evoke Anglican/High Church contexts. In the US, a broader range of Christian denominations is implied.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to its established church terminology, but the word is equally standard in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the sacrament of [noun, e.g., the Eucharist, marriage]to receive/take the sacramentto administer/celebrate a sacramentVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not commonly used idiomatically]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used, except in metaphorical reference to a 'sacred' business principle.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, and sociological studies of religion.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation outside of religious communities. More likely in discussions about weddings, baptisms, or church services.
Technical
Specific, precise meaning in Christian theology and liturgical studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- This bread is to be sacramentally consecrated.
- They do not sacrament their children in that tradition.
American English
- The church sacraments its members through baptism.
- He was sacramentally ordained.
adverb
British English
- The rite was performed sacramentally.
- He viewed marriage sacramentally.
American English
- She approached the altar sacramentally.
- The bread is understood sacramentally.
adjective
British English
- The sacramental wine was served.
- They observed the sacramental nature of the vow.
American English
- Sacramental theology is a core subject.
- They used a special sacramental cup.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby received the sacrament of baptism.
- They took communion, an important sacrament.
- In their church, marriage is considered a holy sacrament.
- The priest prepared to administer the sacrament.
- The debate centred on which rites should be classified as sacraments.
- For her, the daily walk in nature had become a personal sacrament.
- The novelist treated the shared meal as a secular sacrament, a bond that defined the community.
- His adherence to the truth was almost sacramental in its intensity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A SACRED MOMENT. 'Sacra-' sounds like 'sacred', and '-ment' is for the moment or event.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SACRED CONTRACT (marriage as a sacrament), A VISIBLE PROMISE (the physical elements representing a spiritual truth).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly equating with 'таинство' in all contexts; the metaphorical use of 'sacrament' in English is broader. Do not use for generic 'ritual' or 'mystery'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'sacrament' to refer to any formal event (e.g., a graduation). Confusing it with 'sacrilege'. Using plural for the general concept (e.g., 'I believe in sacrament' vs. '...in the sacraments').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the extended, metaphorical use of 'sacrament'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its core, technical meaning is within Christian theology. However, its extended, metaphorical use (e.g., 'the sacrament of the shared meal') can be found in secular literary or philosophical contexts.
All sacraments are rituals, but not all rituals are sacraments. 'Sacrament' specifically implies a channel of divine grace in Christian doctrine, or, metaphorically, an act of profound sacred significance. 'Ritual' is a broader, more neutral term for any formalised procedure.
Rarely and technically. The verb 'sacrament' (to consecrate or administer a sacrament to) exists but is highly specialised and archaic. The adjectival ('sacramental') and adverbial ('sacramentally') forms are more common.
This varies by Christian denomination. Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy recognise seven (e.g., Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation). Most Protestant traditions recognise two (Baptism and Communion/Lord's Supper) as sacraments instituted by Christ.