Definition

Noun: 1. A summary of religious doctrine, often in the form of questions and answers: A book or manual, typically used for instruction in the principles of the Christian religion, structured as a series of questions with prescribed answers. 2. A rigorous series of questions intended to test knowledge or elicit views: A method of inquiry involving a set of formal, systematic, and often challenging questions posed to an individual to examine their beliefs, knowledge, or opinions.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Religious Instruction):
  • The priest used the catechism to teach the children about their faith.
  • She studied the catechism to prepare for her confirmation.
• Noun (Formal Inquiry):
  • The journalist's interview turned into a harsh catechism on the candidate's policy positions.
  • New members faced a catechism from the committee to ensure they understood the organization's core values.

Advanced Usage

• "To stand catechism": To undergo or submit to a formal questioning.
  • The witness had to stand catechism from the aggressive lawyers.
• Used metaphorically to describe any strict, formulaic instruction or interrogation.
  • The training was a relentless catechism in company protocol.

Variants and Related Words

• Catechize (verb): To instruct or question someone using a catechism or in a similarly systematic manner.
  • The teacher would catechize the students on the key historical dates.
• Catechetical (adjective): Relating to teaching by question and answer, especially in religious instruction.
  • The catechetical method is ancient but effective.

Synonyms

• Creed: A system of religious or other beliefs.
• Doctrine: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a religious, political, or other group.
• Interrogation: The action of interrogating or questioning someone rigorously.
• Examination: A detailed inspection or investigation.

Related Phrases

• Catechism class: A class, especially for children, focused on learning religious doctrine from a catechism.
  • He attends catechism class every Wednesday after school.

Noun

1. an elementary book summarizing the principles of a Christian religion; written as questions and answers
2. a series of question put to an individual (such as a political candidate) to elicit their views