catechism
UK: ˈkatɪkɪz(ə)m | US: ˈkædəˌkɪzəm
n. a summary of religious doctrine in the form of questions and answers, used for instruction
n. a series of fixed questions, answers, or precepts used for instruction in other contexts
catechism = cate<down, thoroughly> + chism<teaching>
- cate (from Greek kata-, meaning "down" or "thoroughly")
- chism (from Greek ēchēma, meaning "sound" or "teaching," later adapted to katechein "to teach orally")
Etymology Origin:
The word catechism traces back to the Greek katechein ("to teach orally"), combining kata- ("thoroughly") and ēchē ("sound" or "instruction"). It entered Late Latin as catechismus, referring to oral religious instruction, and evolved into Old French catechisme before settling into English. The term reflects the tradition of question-and-answer teaching, particularly in Christian doctrine.
The priest used a catechism to prepare the children for their first communion.
The book serves as a political catechism for new party members.
In the 16th century, Luther’s Small Catechism became a foundational Lutheran text.
The teacher adopted a catechism-style approach to drill vocabulary.
Modern apps sometimes replace traditional catechisms with interactive quizzes.