Parish

Definition

Parish refers to a small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor. In some contexts, it can also refer to the members of such a church or the jurisdiction of a particular priest or minister.

Parts of Speech

• Noun: parish (e.g., "She belongs to the local parish.")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpærɪʃ/
• Respelling: PAR-ish (with "PAR" as in "parent," and "ish" as in "wish")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpærɪʃ/
• Respelling: PAR-ish (similar to American English, with "PAR" as in "parent," and "ish" as in "wish")

In both dialects, "parish" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "PAR." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of the "PAR" part followed by "ish."

Etymology

The word "parish" is derived from the Old French word "paroisse", which in turn comes from the Latin "paroecia", and ultimately from the Greek "paroikia" meaning "sojourning in a foreign land". Historically, it described a community under a pastor or priest.

Derivatives

• Parishioner
• Parochial
• Parsonage
• Parochially
• Parish-pump

Synonyms

• Congregation
• Diocese
• Precinct

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "parish" can be used both in a religious and secular context. In a religious setting, it refers to the community or congregation under a particular church or clergy member. In a secular setting, especially in certain regions, it refers to a local administrative division.

Related Terms

• Church
• Clergy
• Vicar
• Bishopric
• Archdiocese

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A local church community, or the territory of a particular church, often with its own priest or pastor.
• Example: "The parish gathered for Sunday service."

• In some countries, a civil subdivision for administrative purposes, often coinciding with the bounds of a church or ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
• Example: "The flood affected several parishes in the region."

• The collective members of a particular local church community.
• Example: "The entire parish was excited about the upcoming festival."