Oblation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Oblation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in religious or ceremonial contexts to refer to an offering or sacrifice made to a deity or as part of a ritual. Example: "The church held a special service where the congregation brought their oblation to honor the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

One of the best descriptions of the nature and structure of sacrifice is to be found in Essai sur la nature et le fonction du sacrifice, by the French sociologists Henri Hubert and Marcel Mauss, who differentiated between sacrifice and rituals of oblation, offering, and consecration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although all sacrifice involves the giving of something, there are some sacrificial rites in which the oblation is regarded as a gift made to a deity either in expectation of a return gift or as the result of a promise upon the fulfillment of a requested divine favour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among the African Yoruba special meals are offered to the deity; if the deity accepts the oblation (as divination will disclose), a portion of the food is placed before his shrine while the remainder is joyfully eaten as a sacred communion by the worshippers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Along with libation and the sacrificial effusion of blood, one of the commonest means of making an oblation available to sacred beings is to burn it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The communion sacrifice may be one in which the deity somehow indwells the oblation so that the worshippers actually consume the divine e.g., the Hindu soma ritual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The meal may be one in which the sacrificial oblation is simply shared by the deity and the worshippers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In ancient Greece and India, for example, oblations included a number of important domestic animals, such as the goat, ram, bull, ox, and horse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the flood receded, Manu, the sole human survivor, performed a sacrifice, pouring oblations of butter and sour milk into the waters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They also discuss purification rites, funerary ceremonies, forms of hospitality, and daily oblations, and they even mention juridical matters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The basic Vedic rite was performed by offering those to a sacred fire, which was itself deified as Agni and which carried the oblations to the gods of the Vedic pantheon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sacrifices performed according to Vedic rites continue to be performed in India occasionally, and the offering of oblations to a sacred fire (homa) is an important element of much modern Hindu worship (see yajna).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Oblation", ensure the context is appropriate for a formal or religious setting. It conveys a sense of solemnity and dedication.

Common error

Avoid using "Oblation" in casual or informal writing. Its formal and religious connotations can sound out of place. Opt for simpler terms like "offering" or "gift" in everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Oblation" is as a noun. It refers to the act of offering something to a deity or for a sacred purpose. Ludwig examples show its use in describing both physical offerings and abstract acts of devotion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

56%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Oblation" is a noun that refers to an offering or sacrifice, primarily used in religious or formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its most frequent usage appears in encyclopedic and news sources, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings. Alternatives such as "offering" or "sacrifice" can be more appropriate in less formal situations. Understanding its connotations and typical contexts ensures its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Offering

A general term for something presented as a gift or contribution, applicable in broader contexts than "Oblation".

Sacrifice

Implies a loss or giving up of something valued, often with a religious or moral connotation, similar to "Oblation" but more intense.

Religious offering

More explicitly religious context, specifying the offering's purpose, making it a clearer alternative in religious settings.

Consecration

Emphasizes the act of dedicating something to a sacred purpose, relating to "Oblation" in the sense of making something holy.

Presentation

Focuses on the act of formally offering something, suitable when emphasizing the ritual aspect rather than the sacrifice.

Libation

Specifically refers to a liquid offering, differing from the broader sense of "Oblation" which can include solids.

Tribute

Implies an offering made out of respect or gratitude, which is a more specific type of oblation.

Votive offering

Offering made in fulfillment of a vow.

Ritual offering

Highlights the ceremonial aspect of the offering, emphasizing the prescribed procedure.

Charitable gift

Shifts the focus to the charitable aspect of the offering, suitable when the intent is to provide aid or benefit others.

FAQs

What does "Oblation" mean?

"Oblation" refers to an offering or sacrifice, often in a religious or ceremonial context. It can also mean a charitable gift.

How to use "Oblation" in a sentence?

Example: "The priest presented the bread and wine as an "oblation" during the Eucharist." Another example: "Her generous donation was a true "oblation" to the charity."

What can I say instead of "Oblation"?

You can use alternatives like "offering", "sacrifice", or "religious offering" depending on the context.

Is "Oblation" only used in religious contexts?

While primarily used in religious or ceremonial contexts, "oblation" can also refer to a charitable gift or act of devotion in a more general sense.