εκκλησία
Wordform Details
Translation: churchcongregationassembly
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: εκκλησία
Translation: church; congregation; assembly (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía), from ἔκκλητος (ékklētos, 'summoned'), from ἐκκαλέω (ekkaléō, 'to call out'). English cognates include 'ecclesiastical', 'Ecclesiastes'
Mnemonics
- Think 'ecclesiastical' - related to church matters
- Break it down: εκ (out) + καλέω (call) = 'called out assembly'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Central to Greek Orthodox religious and cultural life. Often serves as both religious and community center in Greek villages and towns.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'church', ναός specifically refers to the church building, while εκκλησία can refer to both the building and the congregation/institution
This word:
Η εκκλησία αποφάσισε να βοηθήσει τους φτωχούς.
The church (as institution) decided to help the poor.
Notes: εκκλησία is more commonly used in everyday speech
Mnemonic: εκκλησία is about people (congregation), ναός is about place (building)