congregation

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A group of people who have gathered together for religious worship.

   Grammar: Countable: 'a large congregation', 'the congregation stood up'.

   Patterns

   • a congregation gathers
   • address the congregation
   • the congregation of a church

   The congregation stood to sing the opening hymn.

   A small congregation gathered for the early morning service.

   The priest spoke to the congregation about the importance of kindness.

2. 2nouncountable

   The regular members of a particular church or religious community.

   Grammar: Often used with 'the': 'the congregation of St Mary's'.

   Patterns

   • the congregation of a church
   • join a congregation

   He has been a member of this congregation for over thirty years.

   The congregation is known for its community work.

   She decided to join the congregation at the local synagogue.

Word forms

Common combinations

large congregation

A large congregation attended the Easter service.

the whole congregation

The whole congregation joined in the prayer.

address the congregation

The minister addressed the congregation with a moving sermon.

church congregation

The church congregation raised money for the homeless.

Synonyms and how they differ

assembly

A general word for a group of people gathered for any purpose; congregation is specifically for religious worship.

flock

Often used figuratively for a congregation led by a pastor; it emphasizes the leader's role.

Word family

congregant noun

A member of a congregation.

congregate verb

To gather together in a group.

congregational adjective

Relating to a congregation or a type of church governance.

Commonly confused: congregation or congregant?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “congregation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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