oblation
uh-BLAY-shun
/əˈbleɪ.ʃən/
A solemn offering or gift presented to God or a deity.
Refers broadly to any religious offering—bread, wine, livestock, or self-dedication—presented on an altar.
The story behind the word. From Late Latin oblatio ('an offering'), derived from oblatus (used as the past participle of offerre, 'to offer or bring before'). An oblation is literally something brought forward and set before a divine presence.
Word relationships
- offering: Offering is the common everyday term; oblation is elevated, formal, and ecclesiastical.
- sacrifice: Sacrifice implies giving up something at a loss; oblation focuses on the formal act of presenting a gift to God.
- appropriation: Taking something for oneself rather than offering it up to God.
Commonly confused with
- ablution: Ablution is a ritual washing of the body; oblation is a gift offered to a deity.
Word family
- oblative (adjective): Expressing or relating to an offering.
Collocations
- holy oblation
- make an oblation
- oblation of praise
- offering and oblation
Example sentences
- "The priests prepared the morning oblation of grain and wine upon the altar." Religious History
- "She regarded her years of charitable work as a quiet oblation to the community." Literary Expression
Memory hook
OBLATION = OFFERING Brought to the Location of the Altar. A solemn gift offered to the divine.
When not to use
Do not use for casual secular gifts like birthday presents.
Fun facts
- In Catholic tradition, the 'Offertory' in Mass is historically termed the Oblation of the Gifts.
Related words
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