votive candle
votive candle — noun
1. a short, wide candle set inside a small glass cup, used to create a soft, gentle
a short, wide candle set inside a small glass cup, used to create a soft, gentle light in homes, restaurants, and at parties.
Dahlia set a row of votive candles along the windowsill for the dinner party.
decoration use: row on windowsill
The café uses tall glass holders for its votive candles to prevent burns.
safety: glass holders prevent burns
Adisa picked up a pack of unscented votive candles at the home goods store.
A single votive candle on the nightstand gave just enough light to read by.
The wedding planner placed white votive candles inside gold-rimmed cups along the aisle.
- tea light
a smaller candle in a thin metal cup, used for heating food or short-term decoration, not for religious purposes
- jar candle
a larger candle inside a tall glass jar, often scented and used for home fragrance
用法筆記
Frequently described by its container (glass cup, metal holder). Unlike taper candles, votive candles keep their shape as they burn and release less melted wax.
常見錯誤
2. a candle lit inside a church, temple, or shrine as a personal act of prayer, to
a candle lit inside a church, temple, or shrine as a personal act of prayer, to make a wish, or to honour a deity or ancestor.
Mira lit a votive candle at the shrine and prayed for her father's recovery.
prayer offering for someone's health
Rows of red votive candles flickered inside the cathedral as visitors came to pray.
Sahil placed a votive candle before the Buddha statue as an offering of thanks.
Every Thursday evening, Bilal lights a votive candle at the small roadside shrine.
- prayer candle
a broader term for any candle lit during worship, not necessarily the glass-cup type
- offering candle
emphasises the candle as a sacrifice or gift to a deity
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 focuses on the intent of prayer or vow, not the candle's appearance or decorative use. The candle is usually left to burn completely without being blown out.