consecrate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkɒnsəˌkreɪt/
KK: /ˈkɒnsəˌkreɪt/
adjective
Definition
Dedicated to a holy or sacred purpose, often used in a religious context.
Example
The consecrate ground was reserved for the ceremony.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more consecrate
Superlative: most consecrate
Conversation
I visited that new church downtown; it's really beautiful.
I heard it's consecrated ground, right?
Yes, they say it was built for a sacred purpose.
That makes it even more special for the community.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sacred
holy
blessed
Antonyms
cursed
damned
profane
transitive verb
Definition
To make something sacred or to dedicate it formally for a religious purpose.
Example
The bishop will consecrate the new church this Sunday.
Tense Forms
Past: consecrated
Past Participle: consecrated
Conversation
Did you hear they’re going to consecrate the new church this weekend?
Yeah, I read about that! It sounds like a big event.
I think it’s important to consecrate places of worship to give them meaning.
Root Explanation
Consecrate → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "sacrare" (meaning to make sacred). The word "consecrate" means to make something sacred or dedicate it formally to a divine purpose.
Memory Tip
Think of making something 'sacred' ('sacrare') together ('con-') — that's why consecrate means to dedicate something as holy.
Visually Confused Words
unconsecrate
reconsecrate
deconsecrate
unconsecrated
preconsecrate
misconsecrate
obsecrate
concreate