Steeples are tall structures that crown the rooftops of churches and other religious buildings. When spelling the word "steeples," it is important to note that the first two syllables are pronounced /ˈstiː/ with a long "e" sound. The final syllable is pronounced /plz/ with a voiced "z" sound, making the phonetic transcription /ˈstiːplz/. This word should not be confused with "staples," which has a different vowel sound in the second syllable and is spelled differently.
Steeples, noun plural
Steeples refer to the tall, pointed structures that are typically found on top of church buildings. They are often made of materials such as stone, wood, or metal, and their distinctive architectural design stands out in the skyline of a town or city. Steeples are commonly characterized by their slender and elongated shape, which tapers upwards to a point or spire.
These architectural elements serve multiple purposes within the context of a religious institution. Historically, steeples were primarily used as a means to assert a physical presence in the community, serving as a visual landmark that could be seen from afar. They acted as a focal point for the congregation, providing a recognizable symbol of faith and a source of inspiration.
Steeples hold great symbolic significance within various religious traditions. They are often associated with sacredness, spirituality, and divine transcendence. Some believe that steeples point towards heaven, connecting the earthly realm with the divine. They can serve as a reminder of religious devotion, encouraging worshippers to turn their thoughts and prayers to higher spiritual planes.
Beyond their spiritual connotation, steeples are also utilized practically. They are often equipped with bells, which are rung to announce religious services or mark significant events in the community. Furthermore, steeples may house clocks or even small observation decks, providing a vantage point to view the surrounding area.
In conclusion, steeples are tall, pointed structures that adorn church buildings, symbolizing religious devotion and standing as prominent landmarks. They hold both practical and symbolic functions, embodying a sense of higher spirituality while serving as gathering places for congregations.
* 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 "steeples" is derived from the Old English word "stēpel", which referred to a tall tower or spire. It is related to the Old High German word "stouf", meaning "pillar" or "support". In Middle English, the word underwent a slight change and became "stepel" before evolving into its current form "steeple". The term "steeples" is often used to describe the tall, pointed structures, often found on churches, that extend from the roof and serve as a prominent architectural feature.