Sacrificial
/ˌsækrɪˈfɪʃəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to or involving sacrifice, typically of an offering to a deity or a loss for a greater good.
/ˌsækrɪˈfɪʃəl/
Of, relating to, or involving sacrifice, especially in a religious context.
The ancient rituals included a sacrificial ceremony to appease the gods.
💡 Simply: It's like when you give up something important, maybe your time or something you love, for a good reason, like helping others or making the world a better place.
👶 For kids: When you give something up for someone or something else, like giving a treat to a friend.
More Examples
The company's sacrificial efforts were aimed at improving customer satisfaction.
The politician made a sacrificial speech to gain support for the new policy.
How It's Used
"The altar was prepared for a sacrificial offering."
"The novel explored the sacrificial nature of the hero's quest."
"The government made a sacrificial cut to the budget to reduce the national debt."
Involving the giving up of something important or valuable for a specific purpose or goal.
/ˌsækrɪˈfɪʃəl/
Involving the giving up of something valued for the sake of something else.
The team made a sacrificial play to win the game.
💡 Simply: It's when you give up something that's important to you for a bigger reason, like when you give up playing video games to study for a test.
👶 For kids: When you give up something you like so you can help someone or reach a goal.
More Examples
She made a sacrificial offer to keep the project afloat.
They accepted a sacrificial budget cut to keep the program running.
How It's Used
"The students made a sacrificial donation to the charity."
"The company had to undergo sacrificial reductions in staff to avoid bankruptcy."
From Middle English sacrificiel, from Old French sacrificial, from Latin sacrificium ('sacrifice') + -al (suffix denoting 'of or relating to').
Historically used in religious contexts to describe offerings, the term's meaning has broadened over time.
Memory tip
Think of a sacrificial lamb offered to the gods.