synagogue
B2/C1Formal, religious, academic, historical, journalistic.
Definition
Meaning
A Jewish house of worship, religious study, and community assembly.
The term can also refer to the Jewish congregation itself or the institution of Jewish worship as a whole. In historical contexts, it may denote the central religious and social organization of a Jewish community.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a concrete noun (a building). Can be used as a collective noun for the congregation. Not interchangeable with 'temple' for most modern Jewish denominations, as 'temple' often specifically refers to Reform congregations or the historical Temple in Jerusalem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is spelled identically.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in religious, historical, and cultural discussions in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
attend + [synagogue]go to + [synagogue][synagogue] + of + [place/denomination][Adjective] + synagoguethe + synagogue + on + [street]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially in contexts of construction, heritage building restoration, or community funding.
Academic
Common in religious studies, history, theology, architecture, and sociology texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing religion, community events, or local landmarks.
Technical
Used in archaeology (e.g., 'ancient synagogue ruins'), architecture, and religious liturgy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form.
American English
- No standard adjective form.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The synagogue is on the main road.
- They go to the synagogue on Saturday.
- The old synagogue in the city centre is very beautiful.
- My grandparents attend synagogue services every week.
- The historic synagogue was restored with funds from the local council and the Jewish community.
- The architecture of the 19th-century synagogue reflects the Moorish revival style popular at the time.
- Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of a Second Temple period synagogue, shedding new light on early Jewish communal practices.
- The synagogue served not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for study and as the seat of the community's legal tribunal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SYN (together) + AGOGUE (a place for leading/assembly) = a place where people are led together for worship.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HOUSE (of God, of study, of assembly). A BEACON (of community and faith).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'синагога' (sinagoga) – it is a direct cognate with identical meaning. No trap exists for this word.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'sinagogue' (following 'sin' instead of 'syn').
- Using 'temple' as a complete synonym without awareness of denominational nuances.
- Incorrect pronunciation stress: /saɪnəɡɒɡ/ instead of /ˈsɪnəɡɒɡ/.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of a synagogue?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In contemporary usage, it often depends on the Jewish denomination. 'Synagogue' is the universal term. 'Temple' is commonly used by Reform and some Conservative congregations. Orthodox Jews typically use 'synagogue' or 'shul' and reserve 'Temple' for the historical Temples in Jerusalem.
It comes from the Greek 'synagōgē', meaning 'assembly' or 'gathering', itself from 'syn-' (together) and 'agein' (to lead). It entered English via Late Latin and Old French.
Yes, many synagogues welcome visitors, but it is essential to check visiting hours, dress codes (often modest attire, with head covering for men), and security procedures in advance, and to be respectful during services.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Shul' is the Yiddish word for synagogue and is commonly used in everyday speech, particularly in Orthodox and Ashkenazi communities. 'Synagogue' is the more formal English term.