L'autel (en. The altar)

/lotɛl/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A piece of furniture used in a place of worship for sacrifices, prayers, or religious celebrations.

The priest stands before the altar to celebrate Mass.

Le prêtre se tient devant l'autel pour célébrer la messe.

Also refers to certain types of ritual tables.

The pagan altar was decorated with flowers and fruits.

L'autel païen était décoré de fleurs et de fruits.

In certain traditions, the altar represents a symbolic sacred place.

The believers approach the altar to place their intentions there.

Les croyants s'approchent de l'autel pour y déposer leurs intentions.

The word 'autel' comes from the Latin 'altare', which means 'elevation, high place'.

to approach the altar

Means to come and make a request or pray at a sacred place.

s'approcher de l'autel

a wooden altar

Refers to an altar made of wood, often used in churches.

un autel en bois

the altar of the homeland

Refers to a commemorative monument dedicated to soldiers.

l'autel de la patrie

ritual

Action or religious ceremony performed in an orderly manner.

rituel

sacrifice

Offering made to a deity in a religious setting.

sacrifice

offering

Gift made to a god or deity.

offrande

Term used to designate a meeting place for believers.

We often meet at the altar to discuss our beliefs.

On se retrouve souvent à l'autel pour discuter de nos croyances.

Commercial exploitation of a place of worship.

This church has become an altar for religious tourism.

Cette église est devenue un autel pour le tourisme religieux.