A basilica is a type of church building that has a long and rich history. The term basilica has been used in various contexts, and it has different meanings in different languages. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of basilica, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
A basilica is a large, rectangular building with a central nave and side aisles, often with a semicircular apse at one or both ends. It is typically used as a place of worship in the Roman Catholic Church. In ancient Rome, a basilica was a public building used for legal and commercial purposes. The term basilica is also used to describe a type of architectural style that is characterized by a large, open interior space with a high ceiling and columns.
Origin
The word basilica comes from the Greek word basilikē, which means “royal.” In ancient Rome, a basilica was a public building used for legal and commercial purposes. The first Christian basilicas were built in Rome in the 4th century AD, and they were modeled after the Roman basilicas. The basilica became the standard form of church building in the Western Roman Empire, and it spread to other parts of the world as Christianity expanded.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a basilica is “a large oblong building, typically built with a nave, side aisles, and a semicircular apse, used in ancient Rome as a court of law and public meeting place and later as a Christian church.” Merriam-Webster defines a basilica as “an oblong building ending in a semicircular apse used in ancient Rome especially for a court of justice and place of public assembly” and “a Christian church building having a nave with a semicircular apse, side aisles, a narthex, and a clerestory.”
Associations
Basilicas are often associated with the Roman Catholic Church, as they are the most common type of church building used in Catholicism. They are also associated with ancient Rome, where they were used as public buildings for legal and commercial purposes. In addition, basilicas are associated with the architectural style that bears their name, which is characterized by a large, open interior space with a high ceiling and columns.
Synonyms
Synonyms for basilica include church, cathedral, chapel, sanctuary, temple, and house of worship.
Antonyms
Antonyms for basilica include mosque, synagogue, and pagoda.
The same root words
Words that have the same root as basilica include basilisk, basil, and basilic.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word basilica:
- The basilica was filled with the sound of the choir singing hymns.
- The ancient Roman basilica was used for legal and commercial purposes.
- The basilica’s high ceiling and columns created a sense of grandeur and awe.
- The bishop led a procession through the basilica during the Easter Vigil.
- The basilica’s stained glass windows were a work of art.