How Do You Spell HIGH ALTAR?

Pronunciation: [hˈa͡ɪ ˈɒltə] (IPA)

The term "high altar" refers to the main altar in a church, typically located at the east end of the building. The spelling of this term can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, which shows the sounds of the word. The first syllable "high" is pronounced as /haɪ/, with a long "i" sound. The second syllable "altar" is pronounced as /ˈɔːltər/, with a silent "h" and a long "a" sound in the first syllable. Together, the word is pronounced as /haɪ ˈɔːltər/.

HIGH ALTAR Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "high altar" refers to the principal or central altar within a Catholic or Anglican church, of which its importance and significance hold a prominent role in liturgical worship. It is typically positioned at the eastern end of the church, behind which the celebration of the Holy Eucharist takes place. The high altar is considered the focal point and the holiest part of the sanctuary, giving it great reverence and attention in the religious context.

    Constructed with a sense of grandeur and often ornately decorated, the high altar serves as a symbol of Christ, representing his sacrificial death and resurrection. It is usually larger and more elaborate than other altars within the church, featuring intricate carvings, artistic depictions, or statues that emphasize the divine presence. As the central point of worship, the high altar is also the place where important religious ceremonies, such as ordinations or pontifical masses, are conducted.

    Furthermore, the high altar holds specific liturgical items, including the tabernacle, which contains the consecrated Eucharistic bread and wine. Celebrants, such as priests or bishops, commonly approach the high altar with reverence, offering prayers, blessings, and the Eucharist itself. The high altar plays a crucial role in uniting the congregation with the divine presence, fostering a sense of awe and spiritual connection within the community.

    Overall, the high altar represents the heart and soul of the sanctuary, embodying the sacredness and solemnity of the liturgical traditions within Catholic and Anglican churches.

  2. The principal altar.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HIGH ALTAR

  • gigh altar
  • bigh altar
  • nigh altar
  • jigh altar
  • uigh altar
  • yigh altar
  • hugh altar
  • hjgh altar
  • hkgh altar
  • hogh altar
  • h9gh altar
  • h8gh altar
  • hifh altar
  • hivh altar
  • hibh altar
  • hihh altar
  • hiyh altar
  • hith altar

Etymology of HIGH ALTAR

The word "high altar" comes from Middle English, deriving from the Old English word "heah" meaning "high" and the Latin word "altare" meaning "altar". The term "heah-altare" in Old English eventually evolved into "high altar" in Middle English.

Plural form of HIGH ALTAR is HIGH ALTARS

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