View synonyms for ecumenical

ecumenical

[ ek-yoo-men-i-kuhlor, especially British, ee-kyoo- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

general; universal.
pertaining to the whole Christian church.
promoting or fostering Christian unity throughout the world.
of or relating to a movement ecumenical movement, especially among Protestant groups since the 1800s, aimed at achieving universal Christian unity and church union through international interdenominational organizations that cooperate on matters of mutual concern.
interreligious or interdenominational:
an ecumenical marriage.
including or containing a mixture of diverse elements or styles; mixed:
an ecumenical meal of German, Italian, and Chinese dishes.

ecumenical

/ ˌɛk-; ˌiːkjʊˈmɛnɪkəl /

adjective

of or relating to the Christian Church throughout the world, esp with regard to its unity
1. tending to promote unity among Churches
2. of or relating to the international movement initiated among non-Catholic Churches in 1910 aimed at Christian unity: embodied, since 1937, in the World Council of Churches
rare.
universal; general; worldwide

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Derived Forms

ˌecuˈmenically, adverb

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Other Words From

ecu·meni·cal·ly adverb
nonec·u·menic adjective
nonec·u·meni·cal adjective
nonoec·u·menic adjective
unoec·u·menic adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of ecumenical¹

1835–45; < Late Latin oecumenicus belonging to the whole inhabited world (< Greek oikoumenikós, equivalent to oikoumen- (stem of passive present participle of oikeîn to inhabit) + -ikos -ic ) + -al ¹

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Word History and Origins

Origin of ecumenical¹

C16: via Late Latin from Greek oikoumenikos, from oikein to inhabit, from oikos house

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Example Sentences

In 1431, the ecumenical Council of Basel ordered the deans and rectors of churches to expel "frivolities" and "profane abuses" from holy buildings, but implicitly allowed them to take place in the squares outside.

From Salon

The adults stood by, pleased at the ecumenical nature of the Santa event and the fact that none of the kids commented on this Santa not matching the pictures in storybooks.

From Los Angeles Times

But there is an ecumenical case to be made for embracing the tradition.

From Los Angeles Times

He recommends the ecumenical approach: “It’s great to go try all of them — see what fits what you like.”

From Seattle Times

Yet this new, pious tale, assembled around the ecumenical theme of perseverance, almost makes one nostalgic for the frisson of provocation.

From New York Times

Related Words

comprehensive

ecumene ecumenical council

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