shrift

/ʃrift/

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The word "shrift" is a noun that refers to the act of being "shriven," which means to confess sins to a priest and receive forgiveness. It is an old-fashioned term that is not commonly used in everyday conversation today.

Simple Explanation:

• Shrift: The act of confessing sins and getting forgiveness.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "shrift" in a religious or historical context, often when discussing confession in Christianity. It’s not commonly used in modern language, but you might find it in literature or poetry.

Example Sentence:

• "After a long period of doubt, she finally went to church for her shrift."

Advanced Usage:

In literature, "shrift" can be used to evoke a sense of tradition or formality in discussions about morality and redemption.

Word Variants:

• Shriven (verb): The past participle of "shrive," which means to hear confessions and grant absolution.
• Shrive (verb): The act of confessing and receiving forgiveness.

Different Meanings:

While "shrift" mainly refers to confession, it can also be used more loosely to indicate a form of accountability or acknowledgment of one's actions, though this is less common.

Synonyms:

• Confession
• Absolution
• Forgiveness

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly tied to "shrift," but you might come across phrases like "to make a confession" or "to seek forgiveness," which convey similar meanings.

Conclusion:

"Shrift" is a term with deep roots in religious practices.

Academic

Noun

1. the act of being shriven