The spelling of the word "consecration" can easily trip up even the most seasoned writer. The word is pronounced /ˌkɑːn.səˈkreɪ.ʃən/ and can be broken down into its individual sounds for easier understanding. The "c" is pronounced like a "k," the "o" and "e" sound like "ah," the "s" is pronounced "s," the "e" sounds like "uh," the "c" is again pronounced like "k," and the rest of the sounds follow the spelling. With a little bit of practice, the spelling of "consecration" will become second nature.
Consecration is a noun that refers to the act of dedicating, consecrating, or sanctifying something to a higher purpose, especially in a religious or spiritual context. It involves acknowledging and designating a person, place, object, or event as sacred, holy, or set apart from the ordinary and mundane. This process typically involves rituals, prayers, or ceremonies that symbolize and reinforce the sacred nature of the entity being consecrated.
In religious contexts, consecration often involves invoking the divine presence and seeking blessing or divine favor for the individual or object being consecrated. This can include the dedication of a place of worship, such as a church, temple, or mosque, the ordination of priests or clergy, the anointing of sacred oil, or the declaration of holy texts or relics. By consecrating these elements, religious practitioners seek to establish a tangible connection between the physical world and the spiritual realm.
Consecration can also extend beyond religious settings to encompass secular practices and professions. For example, a person may consecrate their actions or intentions by vowing to pursue a specific cause with unwavering dedication or by committing to specific ethical principles. In this sense, consecration can represent a solemn commitment to leading a purpose-driven life, guided by a set of principles or values that one holds sacred.
Overall, consecration embodies the act of setting something apart, endowing it with a special significance, and infusing it with a sense of reverence or transcendence.
A separation from a common to a sacred use; the act of dedicating to the service of God.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "consecration" derives from the Latin word "consecrare", which is a combination of two Latin elements: "con", meaning "with" or "together", and "sacrare", meaning "to make sacred" or "to dedicate". Therefore, "consecration" essentially means "to make sacred together" or "to dedicate collectively". The Latin root is closely related to the Old French word "consecration", which holds the same meaning.