Pronunciation: [bɹˈɛvjəɹɪ] (IPA) 
The word "breviary" is spelled with a 'b' at the beginning due to its Latin origin. It is pronounced /ˈbrɛvɪəri/ with stress on the first syllable. The 'e' is pronounced as a short "eh" sound, while the 'i' is pronounced as a short "ih" sound. The 'a' is pronounced as a short "uh" sound. The second 'i' serves as a vowel, but it is pronounced as a short "ih" sound. The final 'y' is pronounced as a long "ee" sound.
A breviary is a compact and authoritative liturgical book used in the Catholic Church and some other Christian denominations, serving as a complete prayer guide for the clergy and religious community. It is primarily designed to facilitate the recitation of the Divine Office, also known as the Liturgy of the Hours, which is a structured cycle of prayers and readings throughout the day.
Typically written in Latin, the breviary contains psalms, hymns, prayers, and biblical readings arranged in accordance with specific liturgical seasons and feasts. It serves as a spiritual companion, allowing priests, monks, and nuns to fulfill their obligation of daily prayer while maintaining consistency and uniformity throughout the Church. In addition to the Divine Office, many breviaries also include the prayers for Mass, sacraments, and various blessings.
Breviaries often feature a calendar indicating saints' feast days and liturgical colors to guide the clergy in their celebrations. Over the years, various editions and translations of the breviary have been produced to adapt to different languages and customs. In the modern era, some breviaries have been digitalized and are available as mobile applications or websites.
The term "breviary" derives from the Latin word "brevis," meaning "short." It reflects the concise and distilled nature of the prayers contained within the book, enabling the clergy to fulfill their spiritual commitment in a simplified yet reverential manner.
An abridgment; the book containing the daily service of the Roman Catholic and Greek Churches.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "breviary" originated from the Latin word "breviarium". This term is derived from the Latin word "brevis", meaning "short". In ancient Rome, this term referred to a summary or brief account. As Latin evolved into medieval Latin, "breviarium" began to be used specifically to denote a summary or compendium of religious texts, particularly the liturgy of the hours. Over time, this term passed into Old French as "brevier" and eventually into Middle English as "breviary", retaining its meaning as a book of daily prayers. The word has remained in use in ecclesiastical contexts to describe the liturgical books used by certain branches of Christianity to this day.
