altar

IPA/ˈɔːltə(r)/
KK[ˈɔltɚ]IPA/ˈɔːltər/

altar — noun

  • altarsingular
  • altarsplural

1. a raised table or flat stone structure used in religious ceremonies, where sacre

1.名詞B1
釋義

a raised table or flat stone structure used in religious ceremonies, where sacred objects, offerings, or symbolic gifts are placed during worship or prayer.

例句

Nkechi left a bowl of rice on the temple altar as an offering to the ancestors.

collocation: temple altar / make an offering

The wooden altar at the church was decorated with white candles and purple cloth.

collocation: decorate an altar with [item]

同義詞
  • shrine

    Shrine refers to a holy place dedicated to a specific saint, deity, or event, often smaller than an altar and not necessarily used for placing offerings during active ceremonies.

  • table

    A general piece of furniture; only called an altar when consecrated and used for religious purposes.

用法筆記

Altars are found in many religious traditions including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous faiths. The shape, size, and materials vary widely across cultures — from simple stone slabs in open fields to elaborate carved wooden tables inside churches and temples.

常見錯誤

❌The priest spoke from the altar.
✅The priest stood at the altar and spoke from the pulpit.
💡A preacher speaks from a pulpit or lectern, not from the altar itself. The altar is for placing sacred objects, not for standing on.

2. in a Christian wedding context, the front table inside the church — the word is

2.名詞B2
釋義

in a Christian wedding context, the front table inside the church — the word is used as a symbol for the marriage ceremony, especially when talking about marrying someone or making plans to wed.

例句

After dating for six years, Ilan finally led Lucía to the altar last December.

idiomatic phrase: lead [someone] to the altar (= marry them)

Camille's father walked her down the aisle to the altar, where her groom was waiting.

collocation: walk down the aisle to the altar

同義詞
  • wedding

    A direct term for the marriage event; 'altar' is a more poetic or traditional way to refer to the same occasion, often emphasising the church setting.

  • marriage

    Refers to the ongoing relationship or institution; 'altar' highlights the ceremony itself rather than the lifelong bond.

用法筆記

This sense is almost always used in fixed phrases about marriage — 'lead someone to the altar', 'stand at the altar', 'get to the altar'. The word 'altar' here represents the entire wedding ceremony, not just the physical object. Commonly found in wedding announcements, family conversations about marriage plans, and romantic storytelling.

常見錯誤

❌The couple went to the altar to pray.
✅The couple went to the altar to get married.
💡In this sense, 'the altar' refers to the marriage ceremony, not to prayer or general worship.