What does catecheses mean?
Catecheses is the plural of catechesis, a term for oral instruction, most commonly religious instruction intended to teach the basic principles of a faith. In Christian usage, a catechesis may be a course of teaching delivered to converts, children, or other members of a congregation. The word is relatively uncommon and has a scholarly or historical tone, appearing particularly in discussions of religious education, theology, and the historical development of Christian communities. It should not be confused with catechisms, which are formulated sets of questions and answers or summaries of religious doctrine. A catechesis emphasizes the act or process of instructing, while a catechism emphasizes the teachings themselves. Although English also uses catechesis as a singular noun, catecheses is the regular plural when several acts or courses of instruction are being discussed.
nounThe plural of catechesis, meaning oral instruction, especially religious instruction intended to teach the basic principles of a faith.
- Formal oral instruction, especially Christian religious instruction intended to convey the principles of a faith.
"The minister prepared a series of catecheses for the new communicants."
"The catechetical classes included catecheses designed for both children and adults."
"His careful catecheses helped the congregation understand the church's doctrine."
Catecheses is the regular plural of catechesis; use catechesis for one such course or act of instruction.
"The program offered two catecheses on Christian doctrine and worship."
The “cat” in catecheses is a spelling coincidence: the word descends from Greek katechein, meaning “to instruct orally.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of catecheses
The word comes from Latin catechesis, a borrowing of Greek katekhēsis, meaning “oral instruction.” Greek katekhēsis is derived from katekhein, “to instruct orally,” ultimately associated with kata- and ēkhein, “to hear.” The same Greek foundation produced related English words including catechism, catechist, catechize, and catechetical.
Related word forms
How catecheses is actually used
Relatively uncommon and formal, this word is used chiefly in religious, educational, and historical contexts.
Easily confused with catecheses
A catechism is a set of questions and answers or a statement of religious principles, whereas catecheses are acts or courses of oral instruction.