self-consecration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low / RareFormal, Literary, Religious
Quick answer
What does “self-consecration” mean?
The solemn dedication or devotion of oneself to a sacred purpose, cause, or ideal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The solemn dedication or devotion of oneself to a sacred purpose, cause, or ideal.
The profound and deliberate commitment of one's life, energies, and resources to a specific principle, goal, or divine service, often implying a deep personal sacrifice and a lasting vow.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In British contexts, historical or literary connotations might be slightly stronger (e.g., Victorian poetry). In American contexts, usage may be more frequently tied to modern evangelical or personal spirituality discourses.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in certain religious publications in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “self-consecration” in a Sentence
self-consecration to (a cause/God/service)self-consecration of (oneself/one's life)through self-consecrationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-consecration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She felt called to self-consecrate her life to the care of the poor.
- In a moment of prayer, he self-consecrated himself anew.
American English
- The missionary chose to self-consecrate his future to overseas service.
- They self-consecrated their marriage to a higher purpose.
adverb
British English
- He lived self-consecratedly, with every action oriented toward his faith. (extremely rare)
- She served self-consecratingly. (extremely rare)
American English
- They worked self-consecratedly for the cause. (extremely rare)
- He prayed self-consecratingly. (extremely rare)
adjective
British English
- It was a self-consecration ritual, performed in private.
- Her self-consecration vow was recorded in her journal.
American English
- He lived a self-consecration lifestyle focused on simplicity and prayer.
- The document outlined a self-consecration process for new members.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, found in theology, religious studies, or philosophy papers discussing concepts of sacrifice or vocation.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A specialised term in certain Christian theologies, particularly relating to vows, sanctification, or missionary work.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-consecration”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-consecration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-consecration”
- Confusing with 'consecration' (which is typically done by an authority to an object/person). 'Self-consecration' is an act one performs upon oneself. Spelling: hyphen is standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal term used primarily in religious, spiritual, or lofty literary contexts.
'Consecration' is typically an act performed by an external authority (like a priest consecrating a church). 'Self-consecration' is a personal, interior act where an individual dedicates themselves.
Yes, the hyphen is standard for compound nouns beginning with 'self-' (with exceptions like 'selfless'). 'Selfconsecration' would be considered a spelling error.
The solemn dedication or devotion of oneself to a sacred purpose, cause, or ideal.
Self-consecration is usually formal, literary, religious in register.
Self-consecration: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf ˌkɒnsɪˈkreɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf ˌkɑːnsəˈkreɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To take the vow of self-consecration”
- “A life sealed by self-consecration”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a knight kneeling alone in a chapel, placing his own sword on the altar—consecrating HIMSELF (self-consecration) to a quest, not just the weapon.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS AN OFFERING / THE SELF IS A SACRED VESSEL
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'self-consecration' MOST appropriately used?