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reliquary

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /rɪˈlɪk.wɛr.i/

KK: /rɪˈlɪk.wɛr.i/

noun
Definition

A container or shrine used to hold or display sacred objects or relics, often associated with religious practices.


Example

The ancient church housed a beautiful reliquary that contained the bones of a saint.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever seen a reliquary in a museum?
Sloth B
Yeah, they're fascinating! I love how they display sacred relics.
Sloth A
I think it’s amazing how much history they hold.
Sloth B
Absolutely! Each piece tells a unique story.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
shrine
casket
repository
Antonyms
desecration
disregard
neglect
Root Explanation

Reliquary → It is formed from "reliquiae" (meaning remains or relics) and the suffix "-ary" (meaning a place for). A reliquary is a container or shrine for holding the remains or relics of saints or other sacred objects.

Memory Tip

Think of 'relics' being kept in a special 'place' — that's what a reliquary is, a place for sacred remains.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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