How Do You Spell CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL?

Pronunciation: [kˈantəbɹɪ kɐθˈiːdɹə͡l] (IPA)

Canterbury Cathedral is a stunning feat of Gothic architecture located in Canterbury, England. The spelling of this word is unique, and can be a bit challenging to some readers. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈkæntərbəri kəˈθiːdrəl/. The first syllable, "can," is pronounced with a short "a" sound, while the following syllable, "ter," is pronounced with a schwa sound. The third syllable, "bur," is pronounced with a short "u" sound, and the final syllable, "ry," is pronounced with a long "e" sound.

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL Meaning and Definition

1. Canterbury Cathedral is a historic and iconic edifice located in Canterbury, England. It is an Anglican cathedral and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Known for its architectural splendor and religious significance, Canterbury Cathedral holds a prominent place in the history of Christianity.

   With a history dating back more than a thousand years, the cathedral has witnessed numerous significant events, including the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. The murder led to the cathedral becoming a major pilgrimage site and inspired Geoffrey Chaucer's famous work, "The Canterbury Tales."

   Architecturally, Canterbury Cathedral showcases a stunning blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. It features grandiose pointed arches, intricate stone carvings, towering spires, and a magnificent stained glass collection. The cathedral possesses the largest collection of medieval stained glass in England, which adds to its visual allure.

   As the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the cathedral holds immense religious importance for Christians worldwide. It has been a site of coronations, royal weddings, and the final resting place for many historical figures. The cathedral is also the center of the Anglican Communion, attracting pilgrims and worshippers from around the globe.

   Beyond its religious status, Canterbury Cathedral serves as a symbol of British heritage and architectural excellence. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. As an iconic landmark, Canterbury Cathedral stands proudly as a testament to centuries of faith, artistic craftsmanship, and spiritual devotion.

Etymology of CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

The etymology of "Canterbury Cathedral" can be traced to the origins of both the words "Canterbury" and "cathedral":

1. Canterbury: The name "Canterbury" is derived from the Old English term "Cantwaraburh", which means "fortress of the people of Kent". It is formed by combining "Cantwara" (the genitive plural of "Cantware", meaning the people of Kent) and "burh" (meaning fortress or fortified town).

2. Cathedral: The word "cathedral" originates from the Latin term "cathedra", which means "seat" or "chair". In Christian terminology, it refers to the bishop's seat or the principal church of a diocese where the bishop's official throne is placed, symbolizing their authority.