Words / B2

ORLT-uh/ˈɔːltə/

An altar is the table or raised structure in a place of worship where offerings or rites take place: the high altar; at the altar. A communion table is a Protestant twin in some churches; shrine is broader. Date the altar in the church plan, then the dedication. Mix-up: altar vs alter (to change — already in the dictionary; same IPA /ˈɔːltə/); do not write altar for a kitchen worktop.

Meaning

The table or raised structure in a place of worship where offerings or rites take place.

Examples

• “Date the altar in the church plan, then the dedication, not a wedding slogan.”
• “A side altar featured in the cathedral inventory, which is the secondary-table sense — still name the saint if given.”

Good to know

the high / side altar; at the altar; altar rail. Trap: alter (verb “to change”, already in B2; same sound). RS, history, and architecture. A raised table used in worship — date the plan, not a slogan.

Near in meaning

communion table, shrine, sanctuary

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