shrine
SHRYN
/ʃraɪn/
A place regarded as holy because of its associations with a divinity or a sacred person or relic.
Can be a large building or a small shelf in a home; it is defined by the focus of devotion rather than size.
The story behind the word. Originally, a 'shrine' was just a box or chest (from Latin 'scrinium'). Over time, these boxes were used to hold the bones of saints or holy books, and eventually, the word came to mean the entire holy place built around the box.
Word relationships
- reliquary: A reliquary is specifically a container for relics, while a shrine is the entire place or structure.
- altar: An altar is a table used for sacrifices or offerings, often located within a shrine.
Commonly confused with
- monument: A monument is for memory; a shrine is for worship or veneration.
Word family
- enshrine (verb): To place in a shrine or to preserve as if in a shrine.
Collocations
- wayside shrine
- memorial shrine
- visit a shrine
Example sentences
- "The pilgrims traveled to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket." Historical reference to a famous English site.
- "She turned her bedroom into a shrine to her favorite K-pop band." A modern, secular use.
Memory hook
A 'Shrine' is where you 'Shine' a light on something holy. A holy box or place.
When not to use
Don't confuse with a 'temple' or 'church', which are places for congregational worship; a shrine is specifically for a person or relic.
Fun facts
- In Japan, Shinto shrines are often rebuilt every 20 years to symbolize the renewal of nature and the impermanence of all things.
Related words
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