Word
congregational
Phoneticscon·gre·ga·tion·al, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑŋɡɹəˈɡeɪʃənəɫ/
UK/kˌɒŋɡɹɪɡˈeɪʃənəl/
Definition
adj. relating to a group of people who meet for religious worship. It describes things that belong to or involve everyone in a church group rather than just the leaders.
adj. relating to a congregation, especially regarding the members of a local church. Often describes activities or governance involving the entire body of worshippers.
Examples
“The whole church joined in the congregational singing.”
“The board decided to hold a congregational vote to choose the new minister for the parish.”
“While some traditions centralize authority in a single leader, this denomination follows a congregational model where local members maintain autonomy over their own financial and spiritual affairs.”
Examples
simple
“The whole church joined in the congregational singing.”
contextual
“The board decided to hold a congregational vote to choose the new minister for the parish.”
complex
“While some traditions centralize authority in a single leader, this denomination follows a congregational model where local members maintain autonomy over their own financial and spiritual affairs.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'singing', 'prayer', or 'meeting'.
Real-World Examples
“Andover Theological Seminary was founded in the early 1800s to train Congregational ministers.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/congregational