parish
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a small area that has its own church and a priest or minister to look after the people living there.
the smallest administrative unit in the Christian church, consisting of a local community under the spiritual care of a priest or minister.
Simple“The local priest has lived in this parish for over twenty years.”
In context“The bishop visited the rural parish to oversee the restoration of the medieval church and meet with the local congregation.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the smallest unit of local government in some countries, like the UK or parts of the US.
a small administrative subdivision of a county or district used for local civil government.
Simple“The parish council met to discuss the new playground equipment.”
In context“In Louisiana, the state is divided into parishes rather than counties for administrative and legal purposes.”
UsageIn the UK, this refers to a 'civil parish'; in Louisiana, it is the equivalent of a 'county'.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the group of people who live in a church district or attend a specific church.
the collective body of inhabitants or churchgoers within a specific ecclesiastical district.
Simple“The whole parish came together to raise money for the school.”
In context“The news of the vicar's retirement was met with great sadness by the entire parish.”
Synonyms
“A parish priest has said people were "struggling for words to try and make sense" of it.”
“Elected members and parish councils will lose the power to call controversial planning applications to committee.”