congregation

UK: ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən | US: ˌkɑːŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən

Definition
  1. n. a group of people gathered for religious worship

  2. n. a formal assembly of members or representatives

  3. n. the action of gathering together

Structure
con <together>greg <flock/herd>ation <noun suffix>con <together>greg <flock/herd>ation <noun suffix>
Etymology

congregation = con<together> + greg<flock/herd> + ation<noun suffix>

  • con<together>: From Latin cum (with), indicating collective action.
  • greg<flock/herd>: From Latin grex (flock, herd), denoting a group.
  • ation<noun suffix>: Forms nouns indicating an action or state.

Etymology Origin:
The word congregation traces back to Latin congregatio, combining con- (together) and grex (flock). It originally described the gathering of people or animals, later specializing in religious contexts (e.g., church assemblies). The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "coming together as a group."

Examples
  1. The Sunday congregation filled the church to capacity.

  2. The university’s congregation of scholars debated the new research.

  3. A large congregation of birds gathered on the lakeshore.

  4. The annual congregation of leaders addressed global policies.

  5. Her speech moved the entire congregation to tears.