catechize
KAT-uh-kyz
/ˈkætəkaɪz/
To instruct someone in the principles of Christian religion by means of question and answer; more broadly, to question someone closely and systematically.
Carries a strong connotation of dogmatic, rote, and highly structured questioning where there is only one correct, pre-determined answer.
The story behind the word. The ancient Greek root literally means 'to sound down' or 'to echo in the ears'. It described a method of teaching where the teacher's voice 'echoed down' to the student, who was expected to echo the correct answer back. It became heavily associated with early Christian instruction.
Word relationships
- indoctrinate: Indoctrinate means to teach a set of beliefs uncritically, while catechize specifically uses the method of structured question-and-answer to do so.
- drill: Drill is a general term for repetitive training, whereas catechize has historical, intellectual, and often religious roots.
- freethink: To form opinions independently without dogmatic questioning.
Commonly confused with
- criticize: To criticize is to find fault with something, while to catechize is to question someone to teach them or test their orthodox knowledge.
Word family
- catechism (noun): A summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers.
- catechist (noun): A person who catechizes or teaches religion.
Collocations
- catechize the youth
- systematically catechize
- catechize in the faith
Example sentences
- "The parish priest would catechize the children every Saturday morning before their first communion." A traditional religious school setting.
- "The strict teacher would catechize his students on Latin grammar rules until they could recite them perfectly." An old-fashioned, rigid schoolmaster.
Memory hook
Imagine a 'cat' on a 'chise' (chair) being forced to echo back answers to a priest. Echoing answers back from a chair.
When not to use
Do not use for open-ended, creative, or casual questioning.
Fun facts
- The word 'echo' shares its linguistic ancestry with the '-chize' part of catechize.
Related words
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