sedile: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Ecclesiastical, Architectural
Quick answer
What does “sedile” mean?
A stone or wooden seat, typically one of a set, in a church for the clergy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stone or wooden seat, typically one of a set, in a church for the clergy.
A fixed seat, usually one of a group of three, on the south side of a church sanctuary for officiating clergy during the Mass. In broader architectural terms, any canopied seat or niche for a sacred figure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in British and American English within the same specialized contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “sedile” in a Sentence
The [adjective] sedilea sedile of [material/number]the sedile in/on [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in art history, architectural history, and ecclesiastical studies papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in architectural conservation, church history, and heritage surveys.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sedile”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sedile”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sedile”
- Pronouncing it /ˈsɛd.aɪl/ (SED-ile). The stress is on the second syllable.
- Using it as a general word for any chair.
- Forgetting the plural form is 'sedilia'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare and specialized term used almost exclusively in the context of ecclesiastical architecture and history.
The plural is 'sedilia' (pronounced /sɪˈdɪliə/).
No, it is incorrect. The term is specific to fixed, often canopied, seats in a church setting for officiating clergy.
It is traditionally located on the south side of the chancel or sanctuary, to the right of the altar as viewed by the congregation.
A stone or wooden seat, typically one of a set, in a church for the clergy.
Sedile is usually formal, ecclesiastical, architectural in register.
Sedile: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈdaɪli/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪˈdaɪli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sedile' like 'sedentary' – it's a place to sit (in a church).
Conceptual Metaphor
A SEAT IS A POSITION OF AUTHORITY (within a sacred space).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'sedile'?