tithing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Historical, Religious
Quick answer
What does “tithing” mean?
The practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or produce, historically to support the church or religious institution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or produce, historically to support the church or religious institution.
1. A historical administrative division of a hundred or a shire in medieval England, typically consisting of ten households. 2. The specific act of paying or collecting a tithe. 3. The group responsible for the payment or collection of tithes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are understood, but the historical 'administrative division' sense is more likely to be encountered in British historical texts. The religious sense is used in both varieties.
Connotations
In the US, the term is strongly associated with Evangelical and LDS (Mormon) religious practice. In the UK, historical and Church of England connotations are more prominent.
Frequency
More frequent in religious contexts (e.g., sermons, theological texts) than in general usage. Rare in everyday conversation in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “tithing” in a Sentence
[subject] pays tithing to [institution][institution] collects tithing from [payers]the tithing of [crops/income]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tithing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The parishioners were tithing their hay yield to the vicar.
- Historically, farmers would tithe a portion of their harvest.
American English
- Members of the congregation tithe 10% of their income.
- She has been tithing faithfully for years.
adjective
British English
- The tithing records from the 17th century are remarkably complete.
- He studied the old tithing system of Wessex.
American English
- They follow a strict tithing principle.
- The church's tithing requirement is clearly stated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Possibly in reference to charitable donation policies.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and economic history contexts.
Everyday
Very rare, except among members of religious groups that practice it.
Technical
Used in ecclesiastical law and historical demography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tithing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tithing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tithing”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈtɪθɪŋ/ (with a short 'i').
- Using it as a general synonym for 'tax'.
- Confusing the verb 'to tithe' with the gerund/noun 'tithing'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in most countries, tithing is no longer a legal obligation but remains a voluntary religious practice for many believers.
'Tithe' is most commonly the noun for the one-tenth payment itself. 'Tithing' is the gerund or noun referring to the *act or system* of paying or collecting tithes, or the historical administrative unit.
No, the concept of giving a tenth pre-dates Christianity and is found in Jewish tradition (Ma'aser) and is practiced in some other religious contexts, though the term 'tithing' is most associated with Christianity.
The number was symbolic and administrative; in practice, the size of a tithing could vary, but it was based on the principle of ten households grouping for mutual surety.
The practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or produce, historically to support the church or religious institution.
Tithing is usually formal, historical, religious in register.
Tithing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪðɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪðɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Render unto Caesar... (Biblical allusion to tithing/taxation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TENTH-ing' – you give a tenth of your income.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS DUTY IS A FINANCIAL TRANSACTION / COMMUNAL RESPONSIBILITY IS A DIVISIBLE WHOLE.
Practice
Quiz
In a modern religious context, what does 'tithing' specifically refer to?