Congregation

Definition

Congregation refers to a group of people gathered together, especially for religious worship or spiritual services. It can also refer to any assembly or gathering of individuals for a specific purpose.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən/
• Respelling: kon-gri-GAY-shun

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən/
• Respelling: kon-gri-GAY-shun

Etymology

The word "congregation" comes from the Latin "congregatio," meaning "a gathering" or "a coming together." The root words are "con-" (together) and "gregare" (to gather or flock). It was introduced into Middle English through Old French during the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Congregational (adjective)
• Congregant (noun)
• Congregate (verb)
• Congregationalism (noun)
• Re-congregate (verb)

Synonyms

• Assembly
• Gathering
• Audience

Antonyms

• Dispersal
• Isolation
• None

Usage

The noun "congregation" is commonly used in religious contexts to describe a group of worshippers who gather for religious services. For example, "The congregation gathered for Sunday mass." It can also be used in broader contexts to describe any group of people assembled for a common purpose, such as "A large congregation gathered at the town hall for the meeting."

Related Terms

• Community: A group of people living in the same place or having a common interest.
• Parish: A local church community within a specific geographical area.
• Assembly: A group of people gathered together for a particular purpose, often for legislative or decision-making reasons.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A group of people gathered for religious worship: Refers specifically to an assembly of people, often in a church, for religious services.
  • Example: "The church congregation sang hymns together."
• An assembly of people gathered for a purpose: Refers to any gathering of people for a specific event or purpose.
  • Example: "The town’s congregation met to discuss community issues."