terce: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Ecclesiastical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “terce” mean?
The third canonical hour of the Divine Office in Christian liturgy, traditionally recited at about 9 a.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The third canonical hour of the Divine Office in Christian liturgy, traditionally recited at about 9 a.m.
Historically, this term refers specifically to the formal prayer service held at the third hour of the liturgical day (counting from 6 a.m.). It can also appear in historical or ecclesiastical contexts referring to that time of day.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning or usage, as the term belongs to a specialised, international liturgical lexicon.
Connotations
Connotes traditional liturgy, monastic life, or historical religious practice.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, encountered almost solely in religious/historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “terce” in a Sentence
The monks observe [terce] at nine.They gathered for [terce].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in historical/religious studies discussing liturgy or medieval daily life.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in liturgiology and ecclesiastical history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “terce”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “terce”
- Misspelling as 'tierce' (which more commonly refers to fencing or card terms).
- Pronouncing it as /tɜːrk/.
- Using it in a non-liturgical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialised term used almost exclusively in historical or liturgical contexts.
It is pronounced like 'terse' (/tɜːs/ in British English, /tɜːrs/ in American English).
'Terce' is the standard spelling for the liturgical office. 'Tierce' can refer to the same but is more commonly used for a position in fencing, a card-playing term, or an old musical term.
No, it is exclusively a noun referring to the prayer service or the time it occurs.
The third canonical hour of the Divine Office in Christian liturgy, traditionally recited at about 9 a.
Terce is usually formal, ecclesiastical, historical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TERCE' comes third – it's the THIRD canonical hour (after Matins and Lauds).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME OF DAY IS A RELIGIOUS OBLIGATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'terce'?