lector

Học thuật
Thân thiện
lector

A lector reads a passage from a large book to the congregation.

Definition

Noun: 1. A public reader, especially in a religious or academic context: A person who reads aloud, particularly scripture or lessons during a religious service, or who gives public lectures at a university. 2. A minor clerical order in the Roman Catholic Church: A person ordained to the office of lector, with the primary duty of reading sacred scripture during liturgical ceremonies.

Usage and Examples
  • In a religious context:

    • The lector stepped up to the ambo to read the first lesson from the Old Testament.
    • Her clear, resonant voice made her an excellent lector for the parish.
  • In an academic context (historical/formal):

    • The university appointed a distinguished scholar as a lector to deliver a series of public lectures on medieval history.
Advanced Usage and Notes
  • The term lector is more formal and specific than the general word "reader." It often implies an official or appointed role.
  • In the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, the lector is one of the minor orders, a step in the process toward priesthood. The role emphasizes the ministry of the Word.
  • In some universities, particularly in historical or European contexts, a lector was a junior teaching position or a person hired to give lectures.
Variants and Related Words
  • Lectorship (n): The office or position of a lector.
    • He was appointed to the lectorship in divinity.
  • Lectorate (n): The body of lectors or the period of service of a lector.
  • Lecture (n/v): A formal talk on a subject; to give such a talk. (This is a related but distinct word, sharing the Latin root , meaning "to read.")
Synonyms
  • Reader: A person who reads, especially one appointed to read in a religious service.
  • Lecturer: A person who gives lectures, especially as a teacher in higher education. (Note: This is a closer synonym for the academic sense.)
  • Commentator: In some contexts, one who explains or interprets texts, though this is not a direct synonym.
Related Phrases and Roles
  • Lay Reader: In many Christian denominations, a layperson authorized to lead parts of a service, including scripture readings, similar to a lector.
  • Cantor: A person who leads the singing in a religious service, a distinct role from the lector, who leads the spoken word.
lector

A lector reads a passage from a large book to the congregation.

Noun
  1. a public lecturer at certain universities
  2. someone who reads the lessons in a church service; someone ordained in a minor order of the Roman Catholic Church