sectary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareFormal, Historical
Quick answer
What does “sectary” mean?
A person who belongs to a religious or political sect, especially a member of a dissenting or nonconformist group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who belongs to a religious or political sect, especially a member of a dissenting or nonconformist group.
A zealous adherent or follower of a specific sect, faction, or doctrine; often implying narrow-minded devotion to the group's principles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage difference. The term is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Conveys a historical/formal tone in both. In British contexts, it might be more readily associated with the history of English Dissenters.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use in both regions. Likely found only in historical or academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “sectary” in a Sentence
sectary of [religious group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sectary” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The 17th-century pamphlet denounced him as a dangerous sectary.
- The meeting was attended by various sectaries from dissenting congregations.
American English
- The historical account described the conflict between the established church and the sectaries.
- He was labelled a sectary for his rigid adherence to the group's manifesto.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or political science texts discussing factionalism.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used.
Technical
Not a technical term in common fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sectary”
- Misspelling as 'secretary'.
- Using in modern contexts where 'member' or 'follower' is more appropriate.
- Pronouncing it like 'secretary' (/ˈsɛkrət(ə)ri/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different words. 'Sectary' refers to a member of a sect. 'Secretary' refers to an office assistant or a high-ranking official.
No, it is a rare and largely historical term. In modern contexts, words like 'member', 'adherent', or 'sectarian' are far more common.
Not always, but it often carries a critical connotation of narrow-mindedness or excessive zeal, especially when used by outsiders of the sect.
A 'sectary' is a person (a noun). 'Sectarian' is primarily an adjective (e.g., sectarian violence) but can also be a noun meaning the same as 'sectary', though 'sectarian' as a noun is also quite formal.
A person who belongs to a religious or political sect, especially a member of a dissenting or nonconformist group.
Sectary is usually formal, historical in register.
Sectary: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkt(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛktəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A sectary is SECluded in their parTicuAR doctrine.
Conceptual Metaphor
BELIEF IS A CONTAINER (A sectary is 'inside' a small, rigid container of belief).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sectary' MOST appropriately used?