thank-offering
Definition
Noun: A "thank-offering" is a gift or sacrifice presented as an expression of gratitude, especially in a religious or ceremonial context. It represents an offering made to acknowledge a favor, blessing, or deliverance received.
Usage Examples
- (A gift given to show gratitude for healing.)
- (A sacrifice of crops offered in thanks for agricultural abundance.)
- (A monetary gift given out of gratitude for help.)
Advanced Usage
"to make a thank-offering": to present a gift or perform a ritual act of gratitude.
- The congregation made a thank-offering of bread and wine during the service. (They offered specific items as a formal expression of thanks in a religious setting.)
"thank-offering as a vow": in some traditions, a thank-offering is promised in advance if a request is granted.
- He vowed a thank-offering of a lamb if his family survived the storm. (He pledged a sacrifice contingent upon a desired outcome.)
Variants and Related Words
- Thank-offering (n): the same term, often hyphenated; no common variants exist.
- Thankful (adj): feeling or showing gratitude.
- She was thankful for the safe journey. (She felt grateful.)
- Offering (n): something presented as a gift, often in worship.
- They placed an offering on the altar. (A gift given in a religious ritual.)
Synonyms
- Sacrifice of thanks: a specific type of sacrificial gift given out of gratitude.
- Gratitude gift: a present given to express thanks.
- Votive offering: an object given in fulfillment of a vow or as an expression of thanks (often in religious contexts).
Related Idioms
- "Make an offering of thanks": to give something as a token of gratitude.
- He made an offering of thanks to the gods for his safe return. (He presented a gift to express his thankfulness.)