ENGLISH
REFERENCE

liturgical

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ɫəˈtɝdʒɪkəɫ// UK //lɪtˈɜːdʒɪkəl// litur·gi·cal

adj. relating to the formal words and actions used during a religious ceremony. It describes things that follow a set pattern for public worship.

adj. relating to liturgy or public worship, particularly the formal rites and ceremonies of a religious body. Often describes specific texts, music, or garments used in a traditional service.


SIMPLE

The choir sang beautiful liturgical music during the service.

CONTEXTUAL

The priest wore specific liturgical vestments that changed color depending on the season of the church calendar.

COMPLEX

Scholars often debate the liturgical significance of these ancient chants, questioning whether they were intended for private meditation or communal celebration within the cathedral.

Origin

From Latin lītūrgicus + -al. By surface analysis, liturgy + -ical.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun like 'music', 'calendar', or 'reform'.

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