How Do You Spell CONVENTICLE?

Pronunciation: [kənvˈɛntɪkə͡l] (IPA)

The word "conventicle" is a rather unusual word in the English language, and its pronunciation may be a mystery to many. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /kənˈvɛntɪk(ə)l/, which means that the stress is on the second syllable, and the "c" is pronounced as a "k" sound. The word is spelled with a "v" instead of a "b" in the middle, which may confuse some spellers. In essence, a conventicle is a secret or unauthorized religious meeting, and its spelling is just one of many peculiarities in the English language.

CONVENTICLE Meaning and Definition

  1. A conventicle is a noun that refers to an assembly or gathering of people, typically of a religious or spiritual nature, who come together for worship, prayer, or religious discussions. It is commonly associated with nonconformist religious groups or dissenting sects, particularly those that emerged during the Reformation and the subsequent period of religious turmoil.

    Historically, conventicles were often held in secret or in private homes, due to their nonconformity with the established church or the prevailing religious authorities. The term typically carries a connotation of illicit or unauthorized religious gatherings, as it implies a divergence from the official orthodoxy or the mainstream religious practices of the time.

    Conventicles played a significant role in the development and spread of various religious movements, providing a space for believers to come together, express their faith, and foster community. They served as an alternative to the prescribed rituals and dogmas of the dominant church, allowing for greater individual participation and a more personal approach to religious practices.

    In modern usage, the term "conventicle" is less commonly employed, and its meaning has become somewhat archaic. However, it still serves as a reminder of the historical struggles for religious freedom and the importance of dissent and nonconformity in the development of religious thought and belief.

  2. Formerly an assembly for worship of dissenters from the Established Church, now used in contempt of a religious meeting of questionable propriety or decency; a meeting for plots.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CONVENTICLE

Etymology of CONVENTICLE

The word "conventicle" has its origins in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin word "conventiculum", which means a meeting or assembly. This Latin word is formed from the verb "convenire", meaning "to come together" or "to gather".

In English, "conventicle" originally referred to a private or secret meeting, particularly an unauthorized religious gathering held outside the dominance of the established church. It was often used in the context of the Protestant Reformation when non-conformist religious groups met in secret due to persecution or restrictions imposed by the state church. Over time, the term has evolved to generally represent any small or intimate assembly or gathering.

Similar spelling words for CONVENTICLE

Plural form of CONVENTICLE is CONVENTICLES

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