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church

n. C / U
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈtʃɝtʃ// UK //tʃˈɜːtʃ// church Archaic General-service Informal Slang

n. a building where Christians go to pray or have religious services. It can also mean the group of people who belong to a specific religious organization.

n. a building used for public Christian worship; alternatively, the collective body of Christian believers or a specific organized Christian denomination.


SIMPLE

The old church has beautiful stained glass windows.

CONTEXTUAL

Many families in the village gather at the local church every Sunday morning for the service.

COMPLEX

The architecture of the medieval church reflects the transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles, featuring both rounded arches and pointed spires.

Usage

When referring to the activity of worship rather than the building, it is used without an article ('go to church').

Pitfall

I am going to the church to pray.I am going to church to pray.When referring to the purpose or activity of worship, the definite article 'the' is omitted.

Idioms3 entries

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