shrive: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low frequency / ArchaicFormal, Religious, Historical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “shrive” mean?
To hear a confession, assign penance, and grant absolution (originally as a religious duty, especially before Lent).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To hear a confession, assign penance, and grant absolution (originally as a religious duty, especially before Lent).
To confess one's sins, especially to a priest, in order to receive absolution. The modern verb is overwhelmingly used in the past participle 'shrove' or 'shriven,' and the associated noun 'Shrovetide' (the period before Lent).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage difference. The word is equally rare and specialised in both dialects.
Connotations
Solemn, archaic, linked to Christian (especially Catholic or Anglican) tradition.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage outside of the fixed term 'Shrove Tuesday.'
Grammar
How to Use “shrive” in a Sentence
[Priest] + shrive + [Penitent][Penitent] + shrive + reflexive pronoun (oneself)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shrive” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vicar would shrive parishioners before Lent.
- He sought to be shriven of his guilt.
American English
- The priest will shrive the penitent.
- She felt she needed to shrive herself.
adverb
British English
- He spoke shrivingly to the congregation.
- She listened shrivingly to the confession.
American English
- The priest nodded shrivingly.
- He acted shrivingly during the sacrament.
adjective
British English
- The shriving priest offered solace.
- It was a shriving ceremony.
American English
- He attended a shriving service.
- The shriving rite was brief.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical, theological, or literary studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used, except in the name 'Shrove Tuesday.'
Technical
Used in specific religious terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shrive”
- Using it in a non-religious context.
- Incorrect conjugation (e.g., 'shrived' instead of 'shrove/shriven').
- Confusing 'shrive' with 'thrive' or 'strive'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or highly specialised. Its main survival is in the term 'Shrove Tuesday.'
The past tense is 'shrove' and the past participle is 'shriven.' The regular forms 'shrived' are non-standard.
'Shrift' was an old word for confession or absolution. 'Short shrift' originally meant a brief time for confession given to a condemned person. Now it means a curt or dismissive treatment.
Almost never. Its meaning is intrinsically tied to religious confession and absolution. Using it metaphorically (e.g., 'shriven by the therapist') would be a very deliberate and literary stylistic choice.
To hear a confession, assign penance, and grant absolution (originally as a religious duty, especially before Lent).
Shrive is usually formal, religious, historical, literary in register.
Shrive: in British English it is pronounced /ʃraɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃraɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Short shrift (originally meaning a brief period for confession before execution, now meaning curt dismissal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SHRIve' on SHROVE Tuesday, the day you might go to conFESS (which rhymes with shr-ESS).
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANSING IS FORGIVENESS (to shrive is to cleanse the soul).
Practice
Quiz
The modern word 'shrive' is most commonly encountered in which context?