Congregation - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

A congregation refers to a group of people gathered together, typically for religious worship or instruction. It implies a sense of community and shared purpose among its members. Think of it like a school assembly, but with more singing and maybe a sermon. It's more formal than just hanging out; there's usually a structured program. A sports team isn't a congregation, but fans gathering to watch a game *could* be seen as one in a looser sense. It's about collective focus and participation.

Etymology

The word 'congregation' comes from the Latin 'congregare,' meaning 'to flock together.' This is formed from 'con-' (together) and 'grex' (flock). The idea is that people are coming together like a flock of birds. Related words include 'aggregate' and 'gregarious,' all sharing that root sense of gathering. The sense of religious assembly developed in early Christian usage.

Related Words

Examples

• "The entire congregation sang the hymn with enthusiasm."
• "The priest addressed the congregation with a message of hope."
• "The synagogue's congregation is very diverse."
• "The annual meeting drew a large congregation from all over the state."

Encouragement

So, next time you're part of a group with a common purpose, remember the word 'congregation'! Use it to describe the feeling of unity and shared experience. It’s a great word to show you know your stuff! 👍

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