congregation

What does “congregation” mean?

noun.a group of people assembled for religious worship.

SAT Usage

This term often appears in contexts related to religion, community, or gatherings, emphasizing the collective aspect of worship and shared beliefs among individuals. It implies a sense of unity and purpose, distinguishing it from similar terms like "audience," which lacks the religious connotation and communal focus.

Common Confusions

Congregation implies a group united for religious worship, while assembly usually suggests a gathering for various purposes without the specific focus on spirituality or communal belief.

Example Sentences

• The congregation gathered to sing hymns on Sunday morning.

• The congregation gathered in the small chapel, their voices rising in unison as they sang the hymns.

Word Parts: How to Remember “congregation”

Break “congregation” into its parts: co- (together, with) + -greg- (flock, crowd). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: co- together, with (Latin)
• Root: -greg- flock, crowd (Latin)