temple
TEM-puhl
/ˈtempəl/
A building devoted to the worship of a god or gods or other objects of religious reverence.
'Temple' is a broad term used across many religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, ancient Greek/Roman), whereas 'church' or 'mosque' is religion-specific.
The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, a 'templum' was not a building at first, but a piece of ground marked out by an augur (a fortune-teller) for observing the flight of birds to predict the future. Later, buildings were constructed on these sacred spots.
Word relationships
- shrine: A shrine is a specific holy spot, while a temple is the entire building for worship.
- fane: An archaic, poetic word for a temple or shrine.
- hovel: A hovel is a small, squalid dwelling, the opposite of a grand, sacred temple.
Commonly confused with
- synagogue: A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer; 'temple' is also used by some Jewish branches, but not all.
Word family
- temples (noun): Plural form.
Collocations
- ancient temple
- Buddhist temple
- temple ruins
- inner temple
Idioms & expressions
- your body is a temple
Example sentences
- "The Temple of Zeus was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World." Describing ancient Greece.
- "He treated his body like a temple, eating only organic foods and exercising daily." Describing a person's body.
Memory hook
A temple is a 'temp'orary home for a god on earth. Temple = Time for Worship.
When not to use
In modern Christianity, the word 'church' is preferred over 'temple', though 'temple' is used in the Bible.
Fun facts
- The side of your head is also called a 'temple'. This comes from the Old French 'temple', referring to the 'proper time' or 'vulnerable spot'.
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