English Lexicon

Offertory

/ˈɒf.ən.tər.i/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #15400 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The offering of the bread and wine to God in the eucharistic service, or the musical composition played or sung during this part of the service.

    "The choir sang a beautiful anthem during the offertory."
  2. 2

    The collection of offerings or money from the congregation during a religious service.

    "The ushers collected the offertory before the final hymn."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Late Latin 'offertorium', meaning 'place of offering' or 'offerings', originating from the classical Latin 'offerre' (to offer). It entered Middle English via Old French in the medieval period, initially referring to the collection of elements for the Eucharist and later expanding to include monetary collections during religious services.

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