altar
0 antonyms and opposites of altar, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A raised table or structure used for religious ceremonies, offerings, or worship.
How to use altar
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English altar and Old French auter, both from Latin altāre — likely linked to a word meaning "burning place," and later shaped by altus, "high."
Full origin of altar →Frequently asked questions
What does “altar” mean?
The word “altar” means a raised table or structure used for religious ceremonies, offerings, or worship. In plain terms, a table or platform used for religious rites, or figuratively something people give things up for.
How do you pronounce “altar”?
“Altar” is pronounced OL-tuh (/ˈɔl.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “altar” in a sentence?
Here is “altar” used in a sentence: “The couple exchanged vows at the altar.”
What part of speech is “altar”?
“Altar” is a noun.
Where does the word “altar” come from?
The word “altar” comes from Latin. From Old English altar and Old French auter, both from Latin altāre — likely linked to a word meaning "burning place," and later shaped by altus, "high.".
Is “altar” a common word?
“Altar” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “altar” have?
“Altar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a raised table or structure used for religious ceremonies, offerings, or worship.
What is the difference between "altar" and "alter"?
"Altar" is a noun referring to a raised structure used for religious ceremonies or worship. "Alter" is a verb meaning to change something. They are homophones, pronounced the same way, which makes them a common spelling mistake.
Is "altar" only used in religious contexts?
No. While its core meaning is a structure used for religious ceremonies or worship, "altar" is also used figuratively for anything treated as sacred enough to sacrifice something else for.