Anathema for Dummies
noun
pronunciation: ə'næθəməWhat does Anathema really mean?
Anathema is a word that might sound a bit fancy and unfamiliar, but don't worry, I'm here to break it down for you in the simplest way possible! So, have you ever heard of something that is just totally and completely unwanted? Like, let's say you have a favorite ice cream flavor, and someone gives you a different flavor that you absolutely can't stand. You'd probably say, "Yuck! This is anathema!" Well, when we use the word "anathema," it means something that is really, really, REALLY unwanted or despised by a group of people or even an entire community.
Now, this word has a few different definitions, so let me tell you about them. The first definition of anathema is when something or someone is considered so unacceptable or detestable that it is completely rejected and condemned by a group or community. It's like that feeling you get when you see a spider crawling on your arm, and you just want to get it off and never see it again! That spider becomes your personal anathema, something you absolutely want to stay away from. It's as if the entire community of people who don't like spiders all came together to say, "Nope, spiders are anathema to us!" So, in this sense, anathema is like a big, strong word for extreme dislike and rejection.
But wait, there's more! Anathema also has a second definition, which is a bit more specific. In some religious or spiritual contexts, anathema refers to something that is considered cursed or condemned by a religious authority or community. It's like when you have a video game that you really enjoy, but then your parents or teachers confiscate it because they think it's a bad influence. That video game becomes anathema to them, something that is seen as harmful or forbidden. It's as if they're saying, "This game goes against our values and beliefs, so it must be anathema to us!"
So, in summary, anathema is a word that means something or someone that is intensely despised and rejected, either by a group of people or within a religious context. It's like the concept of that one annoying thing you just can't stand, that you want to avoid at all costs. It's a strong word that shows strong dislike or even outright condemnation. Just remember, it's completely okay to have things you don't like or disagree with, but using the word "anathema" emphasizes just how much you really, really, REALLY don't like it!
Now, this word has a few different definitions, so let me tell you about them. The first definition of anathema is when something or someone is considered so unacceptable or detestable that it is completely rejected and condemned by a group or community. It's like that feeling you get when you see a spider crawling on your arm, and you just want to get it off and never see it again! That spider becomes your personal anathema, something you absolutely want to stay away from. It's as if the entire community of people who don't like spiders all came together to say, "Nope, spiders are anathema to us!" So, in this sense, anathema is like a big, strong word for extreme dislike and rejection.
But wait, there's more! Anathema also has a second definition, which is a bit more specific. In some religious or spiritual contexts, anathema refers to something that is considered cursed or condemned by a religious authority or community. It's like when you have a video game that you really enjoy, but then your parents or teachers confiscate it because they think it's a bad influence. That video game becomes anathema to them, something that is seen as harmful or forbidden. It's as if they're saying, "This game goes against our values and beliefs, so it must be anathema to us!"
So, in summary, anathema is a word that means something or someone that is intensely despised and rejected, either by a group of people or within a religious context. It's like the concept of that one annoying thing you just can't stand, that you want to avoid at all costs. It's a strong word that shows strong dislike or even outright condemnation. Just remember, it's completely okay to have things you don't like or disagree with, but using the word "anathema" emphasizes just how much you really, really, REALLY don't like it!
Revised and Fact checked by Sophia Moore on 2023-11-06 05:00:24
Anathema In a sentece
Learn how to use Anathema inside a sentece
- Cheating on a test is considered an anathema in most educational institutions.
- For many people, vegetables are anathema and they avoid eating them at all costs.
- In some cultures, disrespecting elders is seen as an anathema and is severely frowned upon.
- For a professional athlete, missing practices and not giving your best effort is anathema to success.
- In a peaceful society, violence and aggression are seen as anathema and are actively discouraged.
Anathema Synonyms
Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.
Anathema Hypernyms
Words that are more generic than the original word.