divine, martyr, ritual, orthodox, temple: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 53. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. divine · adjective/dəˈvaɪn/

   related to or coming from a god or deity; exceptionally good or beautiful

   The church bells rang with a divine melody that filled the entire village with a sense of respect.

   Synonyms: godly

   Origin: late Middle English: via Old French from Latin divinus, from divus ‘godlike’ (related to deus ‘god’)

2. martyr · noun/ˈmɑrdər/

   a person who has died or suffered due to his religious or political beliefs

   The community remembered him as a martyr who refused to abandon his beliefs.

   Synonyms: sufferer

   Origin: Old English martir, via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek martur ‘witness’ (in Christian use, ‘martyr’)

3. ritual · noun/ˈrɪtʃ(əw)əl/

   a fixed set of actions performed regularly or as part of a ceremony

   Buddhists often engage in meditation as a daily ritual to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.

   Synonyms: ceremony, tradition, custom

   Origin: late 16th century (as an adjective): from Latin ritualis, from ritus (see rite)

4. orthodox · adjective/ˈɔrθəˌdɑks/

   following accepted or traditional beliefs and practices

   The term orthodox medicine refers to established treatments supported by medical evidence.

   Synonyms: accepted, conventional, conservative

   Origin: late Middle English: from Greek orthodoxos (probably via ecclesiastical Latin), from orthos ‘straight or right’ + doxa ‘opinion’

5. temple · noun/ˈtɛmp(ə)l/

   a building or place of worship that is often used for religious or spiritual activities and rituals

   She visited the ancient temple to admire its stunning architecture and meditate in its peaceful surroundings.

   Synonyms: shrine, sanctuary

   Origin: Old English templ, tempel, reinforced in Middle English by Old French temple, both from Latin templum ‘open or consecrated space’