Liturgical
/lɪˈtɜːrdʒɪkəl/
Definitions
Of or relating to liturgy; used in or according to a liturgy.
/lɪˈtɜːrdʒɪkəl/
Relating to liturgy or public worship, especially according to prescribed forms.
The choir sang a beautiful liturgical hymn.
💡 Simply: Imagine a church service with a set way of doing things – readings, prayers, songs. 'Liturgical' describes those established, traditional elements and procedures.
👶 For kids: When a church or religious group follows a special plan for their service, like prayers and songs, we can say it's 'liturgical'.
More Examples
The priest followed the liturgical order of service.
The museum displayed ancient liturgical artifacts.
How It's Used
"The church followed a very strict liturgical calendar."
"Researchers study liturgical practices to understand the evolution of religious beliefs."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
liturgical dance
Dance performed as part of religious worship or ceremony.
"The church included liturgical dance in its Christmas Eve service."
From Late Latin *liturgicus*, from Greek *leitourgikos* ('relating to public service' or 'religious service'), from *leitourgia* ('public service, liturgy').
The term has been used since at least the 17th century to describe things related to religious rites and ceremonies.
Memory tip
Think 'liturgy' (the set of religious practices). 'Liturgical' is the *adjective* describing *anything* related to that set of practices.
Word Origin
"relating to public service"