ecumenical
3
8.3
- adjective
- /ˌɛkjuˈmɛnɪkəl/
- Formal
:
universal
- Up to this point, observations about the ecumenical legacy of Vatican II have been put mostly in general terms.
- ecumenical council
- ecumenical dialogue
- ecumenical movement
You know, he was trying for months to understand, I mean, talk about an ecumenical problem of epic proportions.
- You know, he was trying for months to understand, I mean, talk about an ecumenical problem of epic proportions.
- They're like very, what's the word ecumenical?
Examples
-
The time has come for an ecumenical campaign to achieve a sustainable religious ecology.
Academic text (2010) -
The growing global role of the Dialogue Institute at Temple University and the Journal of Ecumenical Studies are among the fruits of his efforts.
Academic text (2015) -
I continue to believe that ecumenical efforts among Christians are essential, as well as interreligious dialogue.
Academic text (2010) -
In the 1940s and 1950s, the influence of the ecumenical Protestant leadership was at its peak, historians often observe.
Academic text (2010) -
For years, Colson and his allies have labored to build an ecumenical coalition of far-right religious groups.
Academic text (2010) -
Professor Kirsten Skydsgaard, speaking in French for the observers, mentioned the need for biblical and theological study of ecumenical issues.
Academic text (2013) -
The ecumenical movement aims to foster dialogue and understanding among different religious traditions.
-
Her ecumenical approach to community service encourages participation from people of all faiths.
-
Many ecumenical events focus on building bridges between diverse cultural and religious groups.
Synonyms
∞
2.7
Relating to the whole world, not just one country
439
4.2
True in all places and for all people
200
2.1
Happening in many countries around the world
144
4.5
Affecting people in many countries around the world
14
5.5
Open to people and ideas from many countries
4
6.7
Including many different kinds of things and open to many ideas
1
4.6
Including everything or everyone without leaving anything out
1
2.3
Happening in many countries around the world
1
8.3
That applies to all people or situations
Compounds
- Formal
1
9.1
A formal meeting of church leaders from across the Christian world to decide religious beliefs and rules
- Specialized
A meeting of church leaders in 680–681 that says Christ has two wills, divine and human
How Wide
Surface Forms
Morphology
ecumenical = ecumenic (opaque) = ecumen + ical
The combining form 'ecumen-' is not a familiar standalone word for most learners, so the adjective's meaning ('worldwide' or 'universal') is not reliably deducible from its parts without prior knowledge.
Etymology
Ecumenical comes from the Greek oikoumenē, meaning 'the inhabited world' or 'the known world'. So something ecumenical is meant for people across the whole world, which is why it means 'having worldwide scope'.