sexagesima: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareLiturgical
Quick answer
What does “sexagesima” mean?
The second Sunday before Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The second Sunday before Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar.
A term derived from Latin meaning 'sixtieth', used historically to denote the period approximately sixty days before Easter in some Christian traditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; both varieties employ it in liturgical or theological contexts.
Connotations
Carries religious and historical connotations, associated with pre-Lenten observances in churches such as Anglican or Catholic.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, with occasional use in specialized religious writings.
Grammar
How to Use “sexagesima” in a Sentence
Used as a proper noun in 'Sexagesima Sunday'Often preceded by 'the' as in 'the Sexagesima'.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; never used in business contexts.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or liturgical studies within Christianity.
Everyday
Extremely rare in everyday conversation; limited to religious communities or enthusiasts.
Technical
Technical term in liturgy, church calendar studies, and ecclesiastical history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sexagesima”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sexagesima”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈsɛksədʒaɪsɪmə/ or misspelling as 'sexagesmia'.
- Using it in non-religious contexts where it would be misunderstood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Sexagesima is the second Sunday before Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar.
In British English, it is pronounced /ˌsɛksəˈdʒɛsɪmə/; in American English, /ˌsɛksəˈdʒɛsəmə/.
No, it is a rare and specialized term primarily used in traditional Christian contexts or historical studies.
It comes from Latin 'sexagesimus', meaning 'sixtieth', referring to approximately sixty days before Easter.
The second Sunday before Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar.
Sexagesima is usually liturgical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'sexagesima' sounds like 'sixty' in Latin, reminding you it's about 60 days before Easter.
Conceptual Metaphor
Time as a counted journey towards a spiritual event (e.g., Easter).
Practice
Quiz
What does Sexagesima refer to?