catechism

[kat-i-kiz-uhm] Example Sentences Origin

cat·e·chism

[kat-i-kiz-uhm]
noun
1.
Ecclesiastical.
a.
an elementary book containing a summary of the principles of the Christian religion, especially as maintained by a particular church, in the form of questions and answers.
b.
the contents of such a book.
2.
a similar book of instruction in other subjects.
3.
a series of formal questions put, as to political candidates, to bring out their views.
4.
catechetical instruction.

Origin:
1495–1505; < Late Latin catēchismus apparently equivalent to catēch(izāre) to catechize + -ismus -ism

cat·e·chis·mal, adjective

cataclysm, catechism.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Catechism is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
Example Sentences
  • At the same time a whole catechism of thought crime has been deployed to stop real discussion.
  • He had fashioned his catechism in the form of a novel which, though slight in bulk, is of a fine and satisfying workmanship.
  • Pearl as a narrator, catechism as a form of dialogue and the placing of hands on breasts as a means of defining relationships.
Collins
World English Dictionary
catechism (ˈkætɪˌkɪzəm)
 
n
1.  instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church
2.  rigorous and persistent questioning, as in a test or interview
 
[C16: from Late Latin catēchismus, ultimately from Greek katēkhizein to catechize]
 
cate'chismal
 
adj

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

catechism
1509, "elementary question-and-answer book of religious instruction," from L. catechismus, from Gk. katekhizein "to teach orally" (see catechize).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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