trinity

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A group of three closely connected people or things.

   Grammar: Usually singular; can be used in the plural 'trinities'.

   Patterns

   • a trinity of something
   • the trinity of X, Y, and Z

   The film explores the trinity of love, loss, and memory.

   Their partnership formed a trinity of talent, hard work, and luck.

   The trinity of problems—debt, drought, and disease—hit the region hard.

2. 2proper nounproperreligion

   In Christian belief, the union of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God.

   Grammar: Capitalized; often used with 'the': the Trinity.

   Patterns

   • the Trinity
   • belief in the Trinity

   Christians believe in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

   The doctrine of the Trinity is central to most Christian churches.

   She explained the Trinity to her students.

Word forms

Common combinations

the Holy Trinity

The Holy Trinity is a key concept in Christianity.

a trinity of

The novel centers on a trinity of sisters.

the Trinity doctrine

The Trinity doctrine was formally defined in the fourth century.

Synonyms and how they differ

trio

A trio is simply a group of three, often people; trinity suggests a closer, more unified or symbolic connection.

triad

A triad is a set of three related things; trinity often carries a religious or philosophical tone.

Word family

Trinitarian noun

A person who believes in the Trinity.

Trinitarian adjective

Relating to the Trinity.

Commonly confused: trinity or triunity?

Practice

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