congregation
gb/kˌɑŋɡɹəɡˈeɪʃən/ us/kˌɑŋɡɹəɡˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 5000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Group attending a religious service
A group of people who meet in a place to pray or take part in a religious service.
Usage pattern:
a congregation of [people]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'congregation' with 'congregating'. 'Congregation' is a noun for the group; 'to congregate' is the verb for gathering.
Synonyms
worshippers (Refers specifically to people actively taking part in religious worship.)
|
parishioners (Commonly used for members of a Christian parish.)
Antonyms
clergy (Refers to the leaders or officials of a religion, not the gathered members.)
Collocations
church congregation
|large congregation
|gathered congregation
|address the congregation
|members of the congregation
Themes
religion
|community
|relationships
Examples
- The priest welcomed the congregation at the start of the service.
- The congregation sang hymns together.
- After the sermon, the congregation stood to pray.
- The congregation filled every seat in the church.
- The minister addressed the congregation about the charity event.
Learner examples
- The congregation is singing.
- The congregation meets on Sunday.
- The pastor talks to the congregation.
- The congregation prays together.
Noun
B2
entity
2
Gathering of people for a purpose
A group of people who come together for the same reason.
Usage pattern:
a congregation of [people/animals]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'congregation' is only used for religion, but it can be used more generally.
Synonyms
assembly (A general term for people gathered together, often formally.)
|
gathering (A more casual or general term without formal connotations.)
Antonyms
dispersion (Refers to people spreading out rather than coming together.)
Collocations
a congregation of protesters
|a small congregation in the hall
|a congregation of students
Themes
community
|events
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Examples
- A small congregation gathered to hear the mayor speak.
- There was a congregation of fans outside the stadium.
- A large congregation formed in the square during the festival.
Learner examples
- A congregation waits in front of the building.
- There is a congregation in the park.
- The students made a congregation in the hall.
Grammar
Dictionary form
congregation
IPA
GB/kˌɑŋɡɹəɡˈeɪʃən/
US/kˌɑŋɡɹəɡˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
con - greg - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: congregation
- Plural: congregation, congregations
Word family
Forms
congregations
noun
Core family
congregate
verb C1
Related words
congregant
noun
congregational
adjective
Expressions
address the congregation
1/ədɹˈɛs ðə kˌɑŋɡɹəɡˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Speak to worshippers at service
To speak to people who are gathered for a religious service.
Examples
- The bishop addressed the congregation about helping the poor.
- She addressed the congregation with words of comfort after the tragedy.
members of the congregation
1/mˈɛmbɚz əv ðə kˌɑŋɡɹəɡˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
People in a worship group
People who belong to and attend a religious service regularly.
Examples
- Members of the congregation volunteered to help clean the church.
- Several members of the congregation joined the choir.