Word
congregation
Meanings
the people who gather for a religious service, or the regular members of a particular church or other place of worship
a large group of people gathered together in one place
Definition
A congregation is a group of people gathered for worship, usually in a church or other place of religion.
A congregation is the community of people who meet regularly to take part in religious services. It can refer to everyone present at one service or to the members of a particular church, synagogue, or mosque. In broader use, it can also mean a large group of people gathered in one place for a shared purpose.
Examples
- The congregation fell silent as the choir began the opening hymn.
- After the service, her congregation gathered in the hall to welcome the new family.
- He addressed the congregation with a frank, thoughtful message about community responsibility.
- They asked the congregation to stay seated until the ceremony had finished.
- A small congregation can still create a strong sense of belonging when everyone participates.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse congregation (people) with congregation hall/building (place) and use it to mean the church building itself.
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