Word: Immaculate Conception
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: The term "Immaculate Conception" refers to a belief in Christianity, specifically in Roman Catholicism. It means that God kept Mary, the mother of Jesus, free from original sin from the moment she was conceived. This belief emphasizes her purity and holiness.
Usage Instructions: - Use "Immaculate Conception" when discussing religious beliefs, especially in the context of Catholic teachings. - It is often capitalized because it refers to a specific doctrine.
Example Sentence: The feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th each year.
Advanced Usage: - In theological discussions, you might explore how the Immaculate Conception relates to other beliefs about Mary or the nature of sin. For example, you could say, "The Immaculate Conception is integral to understanding Mary's role in salvation history."
Word Variants: - "Immaculate" (adjective): meaning pure, flawless, or clean. - "Conception" (noun): the act of conceiving or the formation of an idea.
Different Meanings: - Outside of its religious context, “immaculate” can describe something that is perfectly clean or neat. For example, "Her house was immaculate, with everything in its place."
Synonyms: - For "immaculate" (in the context of cleanliness): spotless, pristine, flawless. - There are no direct synonyms for "Immaculate Conception" as it is a specific religious term, but you might refer to it as the “doctrine of Mary's purity” in informal discussions.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Immaculate Conception," but you could use phrases like "to be in immaculate condition," meaning to be in perfect shape or cleanliness.
Conclusion: The term "Immaculate Conception" is an important concept in Catholicism, referring to the belief that Mary was free from sin from the very beginning of her existence.