masonic
/mə'sɔnik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to Freemasonry: Pertaining to the fraternal organization known as Freemasonry, its members (Freemasons), its principles, or its activities.
- Relating to stonemasonry: Pertaining to the craft or work of a stonemason or masonry.
Usage and Examples
- Relating to Freemasonry:
- He wore a ring with a Masonic symbol. (This describes a ring associated with the Freemasons.)
- The building's foundation stone was laid in a Masonic ceremony. (This indicates the ceremony was conducted by or in the tradition of Freemasons.)
- Relating to stonemasonry (less common in modern usage):
- The ancient masonic techniques are still studied by historians. (This refers to the methods used by stonemasons.)
Advanced Usage
- "Masonic Lodge": The primary local organizational unit of Freemasonry, where members meet.
- He is a member of the local Masonic lodge.
- Used attributively to describe objects, symbols, or knowledge associated with the fraternity.
- The book contained Masonic secrets.
- They deciphered the Masonic code on the monument.
Variants and Related Words
- Freemason (noun): A member of the Freemasons.
- Freemasonry (noun): The institutions, practices, and teachings of the Freemasons.
- Mason (noun): Can mean a Freemason or a stonemason. Context is crucial.
- Masonry (noun): The stonework of a stonemason; also used as a synonym for Freemasonry.
Synonyms
- Fraternal (when referring to the brotherly aspect of Freemasonry).
- There are no direct synonyms for the specific cultural meaning of "Masonic."
Notes on Meaning
- The primary contemporary meaning relates exclusively to Freemasonry. The meaning related to stonemasonry is now archaic or highly specialized.
- The word is often capitalized ("Masonic") when referring to the fraternity, as it functions as a proper adjective derived from a formal organization name.
Adjective
- of or relating to Freemasons or Freemasonry
- Masonic lodge
- of or relating to stonemasons or masonry
- masonic tools