Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or constituting a sacrament: Describes something that is connected to or has the nature of a religious sacrament, which is a formal Christian rite considered to have been instituted by Jesus Christ and believed to confer divine grace.
   • Characterized by or involving the use of sacraments: Pertaining to practices, objects, or actions that are part of or used in the administration of sacraments.

Usage

• The adjective "sacramental" is used to describe rites, objects, theology, or practices associated with the sacraments of a church.
• It often appears in religious, theological, and liturgical contexts.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The priest performed the sacramental rite of baptism.
  • In Catholic theology, the Eucharist is of central sacramental importance.
  • They follow a sacramental tradition that emphasizes physical signs of spiritual grace.

Advanced Usage

• "Sacramental theology": The branch of theology that studies the sacraments.
  • He is an expert in sacramental theology.
• "Sacramental character": In some Christian traditions, this refers to an indelible spiritual mark imprinted by certain sacraments like baptism, confirmation, and holy orders.
  • The sacrament is believed to confer a sacramental character.
• "Sacramental grace": The specific grace believed to be conferred by a sacrament.
  • The prayer focused on receiving sacramental grace.

Variants and Related Words

• Sacramentally (adverb): In a sacramental manner; by means of a sacrament.
  • The community is sacramentally united through the Eucharist.
• Sacramentality (noun): The quality of being sacramental.
  • The sacramentality of creation is a key concept in some theologies.
• Sacrament (noun): The core religious rite from which the adjective is derived.
  • Marriage is considered a sacrament in many churches.

Synonyms

• Liturgical: Pertaining to public worship and ritual (often overlaps in context).
• Ritualistic: Emphasizing the prescribed procedure of the rite.
• Eucharistic: Specifically relating to the sacrament of the Eucharist/Holy Communion.

Related Phrases

• Sacramental wine: The wine consecrated for use in the Eucharist.
  • The chalice contained the sacramental wine.
• Sacramental bread: The bread consecrated for use in the Eucharist, often called the host.
  • The priest elevated the sacramental bread.
• Sacramental confession: The act of confessing sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation.
  • She went to sacramental confession every month.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or involving a sacrament