scripture
C1Formal, religious, academic
Definition
Meaning
The sacred writings of a religion, especially the Christian Bible.
Any authoritative or highly respected text; writings considered to have special importance or truth.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically used with a definite article ('the scripture') or plural ('the scriptures') when referring to religious texts. Can be capitalised ('Scripture') in religious contexts to denote supreme authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Both use 'scripture' and 'Scripture' interchangeably, though capitalisation may be slightly more common in American religious publishing.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with religious authority and tradition. In secular academic contexts, can refer to foundational texts of any ideology.
Frequency
Higher frequency in religious communities and theological discourse in both regions. Comparable overall frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
study + scripturequote + from + scripturebase + on + scripturerefer + to + scriptureinterpret + scriptureVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chapter and verse (from scripture)”
- “the letter of the scripture”
- “scripture alone (sola scriptura)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear metaphorically: 'Their business plan became the company scripture.'
Academic
Common in theology, religious studies, and comparative literature. 'The professor analysed Hindu scripture.'
Everyday
Mainly in religious communities. 'We read scripture at the service.'
Technical
In theology: refers to inspired texts. In computing: occasionally used for foundational code (jargon).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- To scripture (verb) is obsolete; not used in modern English.
American English
- To scripture (verb) is obsolete; not used in modern English.
adverb
British English
- Scripturally (adv): 'The group interprets the text scripturally.'
American English
- Scripturally (adv): 'He argued scripturally rather than philosophically.'
adjective
British English
- Scriptural (adj): 'His argument was based on scriptural evidence.'
American English
- Scriptural (adj): 'She provided a scriptural reference for her claim.'
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The priest read from the scripture.
- She learns about scripture in her class.
- Many people find comfort in holy scripture.
- The sermon was based on a scripture passage.
- Scholars compare Islamic and Christian scriptures.
- His interpretation of the scripture is quite liberal.
- The doctrine of sola scriptura emphasises scripture alone as the ultimate authority.
- Ancient scriptures often require contextual and linguistic expertise to decipher fully.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SCRIPTure: think of a SCRIPT (written text) that is sacred.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCRIPTURE IS A FOUNDATION (building on scripture), SCRIPTURE IS A GUIDE (following scripture), SCRIPTURE IS A WEAPON (using scripture in debate).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'скрипт' (script for film/computer).
- In religious contexts, often corresponds to 'Священное Писание'.
- Avoid using for any old book or manuscript; retains sacred/authoritative connotation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'scripture' as a countable noun for a single verse (prefer 'a passage of scripture').
- Misspelling as 'scriptuer' or 'scripcher'.
- Using without article when specific: 'He quoted Scripture' (capitalised, proper noun) vs. 'He quoted from scripture' (uncountable).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'scripture' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is capitalised ('Scripture') when referring specifically to the Christian Bible as a proper noun. Lowercase ('scripture') is used for sacred texts in general or as an uncountable noun.
Yes. 'Scriptures' often refers to collections of sacred texts (e.g., Hindu scriptures) or different books within a tradition.
'The Bible' refers specifically to the Christian scriptures. 'Scripture' can refer to the Bible but is also a general term for the sacred texts of any religion.
Yes, it is formal and primarily used in religious, academic, or literary contexts. In everyday conversation, people might say 'the Bible' or 'sacred texts' instead.
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