manse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manse" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a large, often stately house, typically the residence of a minister or clergyman. Example: "The old manse at the edge of town has been beautifully restored and is now a popular bed and breakfast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Despite all the drivel that is written about a withdrawn and prickly personality, it is hard to imagine a time at which the country could be more in need of leadership from a son of the manse - upright, austere and uncompromising.

The Guardian - Opinion

Especially in the marginal south-eastern constituencies that are dearest to his heart, people may listen when the Tories ask, does this son of the Kirkcaldy manse really understand us?

The Economist

This is not, as some have suggested, because he prefers that son of the manse, Mr Brown, to the crypto-Catholic, Mr Blair.Rather, it is because of Mr Blair's place in the DUP's narrative of the last nine years.

The Economist

Fair enough.PURNELL: You sods.MANDELSON throws PURNELL from the battlements.HERALD to audience: So Gordon reigned, uneasy and unloved Too weak to govern, yet too tough to oust.But not for ever.ACT VA Scottish manse.

The Economist

Like so many of his post-war predecessors, both Labour and Conservative, the man from the Scottish manse has played the part of the prodigal son.

The Economist

But even leaving aside the inconveniently privileged upbringing of some members of the Labour cabinet, and the open question whether Eton and Oxford is a weirder background than a Scottish manse and a lifetime in Labour politics Mr Brown's salvo risks backfiring.

The Economist

Cavell was a daughter of the rectory, just as Mr Brown is a son of the manse.

The Economist

His older brother's sprawling North Carolina manse, Biltmore, could accommodate up to 500 pounds of meat in its electrical refrigerators.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr Brown's son-of-the-manse Scottishness is an essential part of who he is.

The Economist

At the Old Manse, Hawthorne continued to write stories, with the same result as before: literary success, monetary failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His new short-story collection, Mosses from an Old Manse, appeared in 1846.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "manse", ensure the context is clear about its association with a religious figure's residence, particularly in Scottish Presbyterian or similar contexts. If the audience is unfamiliar, consider using a more widely understood term like "parsonage" or "minister's house".

Common error

Avoid using "manse" to refer to any large or stately home. While it can occasionally denote a mansion, its primary and historically accurate meaning pertains specifically to the residence of a minister or clergyman.

Linguistic Context

The word "manse" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the residence of a minister, especially in Presbyterian contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig, it can also, though less commonly, denote a large or impressive house. Ludwig AI indicates the word is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "manse" primarily denotes the residence of a minister, particularly within Presbyterian traditions. While occasionally used to describe a large house in general, this usage is less common and can be ambiguous. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and is "Very common" in various contexts, especially in "News & Media". When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning, and consider using alternatives like "parsonage" or "minister's house" if clarity is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parsonage

Specifically refers to the residence provided for a pastor or parson, similar to but more specific than a general "manse".

rectory

Denotes the residence of a rector, particularly in the Anglican Church, offering a more denomination-specific alternative.

minister's house

Directly describes the dwelling of a minister, suitable when needing a clear and unambiguous term.

clergyman's residence

A formal term indicating where a clergyman lives, useful in more official or descriptive contexts.

pastoral residence

Emphasizes the residential aspect related to the role of a pastor, fitting in religious or community-focused discussions.

house of the clergy

Broadly refers to a house associated with the clergy, less common but suitable in specific discussions about clerical housing.

church house

Can refer to a house owned or used by the church, which might include the minister's residence or other facilities.

residence of the vicar

Specifies the dwelling of a vicar, particularly within the Church of England, offering a context-specific alternative.

the minister's home

A simple and straightforward way to refer to where a minister lives, appropriate in informal or general conversation.

priest's house

Used to refer to the dwelling of a priest, typically in Catholic or Orthodox churches, offering a denomination-specific term.

FAQs

What is the primary meaning of "manse"?

The primary meaning of "manse" is the house provided for a minister, especially in the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

Is it appropriate to use "manse" to describe any large house?

While "manse" can sometimes refer to a large house or mansion, its most accurate and common usage is to describe a minister's residence. Using it to describe any large house might be misleading.

What are some alternatives to "manse" that I can use?

Alternatives to "manse" include "parsonage", "rectory", or "minister's house", depending on the specific religious denomination and context.

How does the usage of "manse" vary across different regions?

The term "manse" is most commonly used in Scotland and other regions with a strong Presbyterian tradition. In other areas, terms like "parsonage" or "rectory" are more frequently used to describe a clergyman's residence.