# scripture

/ˈskɹɪptʃɝ/ (US) · /skɹˈɪptʃɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scripture
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 3. an authoritative statement

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a piece of writing or a statement that people treat as a final, absolute truth.

For teachers: an authoritative or highly respected statement or body of writing, often treated as beyond question. Used figuratively outside of religious contexts.

- In that office, the manager's handbook was treated as scripture.
- For decades, the professor's early theories were regarded as scripture by his students, leaving little room for dissenting opinions.

## Examples

- The priest read a short passage from Scripture.
- Scholars spend years studying ancient Scripture to understand the historical context of religious laws.
- The theologian argued that while the core tenets of the Scripture remain unchanged, their application must evolve to address the ethical dilemmas of the modern age.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.