What does sacrificial mean?
Sacrificial describes something connected with a sacrifice: an act of offering that gives up something of value for a deity, a religious institution, or a morally significant purpose. In its traditional religious sense, the word refers to offerings and rites that surrender an animal, valuable object, or another sacred item. It is also used more broadly for decisions or actions in which personal interests, comfort, or career are placed behind the welfare of others or the success of a larger cause. Such modern usages often carry a connotation of selflessness, though they can sometimes imply that the loss was extreme. The adjective is especially common in phrases such as “sacrificial victim,” “sacrificial ritual,” and “sacrificial offering.” Understanding it requires distinguishing the adjective from the related noun and verb “sacrifice,” which identify the offering or act itself rather than describing its nature.
adjectiveRelating to or constituting a sacrifice, especially a religious offering made by surrendering something of value to a deity or higher purpose.
- Of or relating to a religious sacrifice or offering.
- Of or relating to the surrender of something important for a greater purpose.
"The ritual included the sacrificial slaughter of a lamb."
"The temple held a sacrificial ceremony before the festival began."
"Her decision to resign was sacrificial, since she placed the team's needs ahead of her own career."
The word connects solemn ritual with the larger idea of giving something valuable up, and in Christian theology it recalls the sacrifice of Christ.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sacrificial come from?
The adjective was formed in English from “sacrifice” with the suffix “-al.” Both words ultimately come through Old French from Latin sacrificium, a term associated with sacer, meaning “sacred,” and facere, meaning “to make,” in the sense of making something sacred by an offering.
Related word forms
How sacrificial is actually used
Most commonly used attributively, especially in expressions such as “sacrificial victim” and “sacrificial ritual.” Outside religious contexts, it often conveys the sacrifice of personal interests, time, or well-being for a higher purpose.
Easily confused with sacrificial
Sacrifice is the noun or verb naming an act of surrender or offering, while sacrificial is the adjective describing something involved in or constituting such an act.