multi-faith

IPA/ˌmʌlti ˈfeɪθ/
IPA/ˌmʌlti ˈfeɪθ/

multi-faith — adjective

1. relating to an occasion, organisation, or space where people of various faiths a

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

relating to an occasion, organisation, or space where people of various faiths are included, respected, or able to participate together.

Example

The school holds a multi-faith assembly every month to celebrate different traditions.

multi-faith + noun (assembly)

A multi-faith committee was formed to organise the community's annual food drive.

Common collocations
  • multi-faith society
  • multi-faith school
  • multi-faith centre
  • multi-faith event
  • multi-faith prayer room
  • multi-faith service
  • multi-faith gathering
Synonyms
  • interfaith

    more commonly used for active dialogue or relationships between religions; 'multi-faith' emphasises inclusivity of different traditions in one space

  • multireligious

    more formal and less common; used mainly in academic or official writing

  • pluralistic

    broader meaning that includes ethnic and cultural diversity, not limited to religion

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

multi-faith + noun

Usage Note

Almost always used before a noun. Common in contexts such as education, community planning, and healthcare.

Common Mistakes

They led a multi-faith dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
They led an interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
'interfaith' is preferred for active discussion between faith groups; 'multi-faith' describes inclusive settings or spaces.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

These words all describe the inclusion of more than one religion, but they differ in focus and register. 'Multi-faith' is the most general term and is widely used in everyday contexts such as schools, hospitals, and community events — it emphasises the coexistence or presence of multiple faiths in one place. 'Interfaith' places greater weight on active communication, cooperation, or dialogue between religious groups (e.g. 'interfaith council', 'interfaith wedding'). 'Multireligious' is a more formal synonym of 'multi-faith' and appears mainly in academic, legal, or policy writing. 'Pluralistic' is broader, referring to a society that respects diversity across religion, ethnicity, and culture. For example: 'The city opened a multi-faith centre for quiet prayer.' 'An interfaith panel discussed climate action.' 'The study examined multireligious households in urban areas.' 'Singapore is often described as a pluralistic society.'

multi-faith ↗interfaith ↗multireligious ↗pluralistic

Common collocations

Nouns

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Formed by combining the prefix 'multi-' (from Latin 'multus', meaning many) with the noun 'faith' (from Latin 'fides', meaning trust or belief). The compound emerged in English in the mid-20th century as societies became more religiously diverse, particularly in discussions around education, healthcare, and urban planning.