Purgatory

Pronunciation: /ˈpɝːɡəˌtɔːri/

Definitions of purgatory

noun a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven.

Example Sentences

A1 I heard that purgatory is a place where souls go to be purified before entering heaven.

A2 In some religions, purgatory is believed to be a temporary state of suffering for those who have not been completely forgiven of their sins.

B1 The concept of purgatory has been a topic of debate among theologians for centuries.

B2 Many Catholics believe in the existence of purgatory as a place of purification after death.

C1 For some, the idea of purgatory offers a sense of hope for redemption and spiritual growth.

C2 The notion of purgatory can be seen as a reflection of the complexity of human beliefs about the afterlife.

Examples of purgatory in a Sentence

formal According to Catholic doctrine, purgatory is a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven.

informal I feel like I'm in purgatory waiting for this never-ending meeting to finish.

slang This waiting room is like purgatory, I just want to get out of here.

figurative Being stuck in traffic during rush hour feels like purgatory.

Grammatical Forms of purgatory

• plural: purgatories
• comparative: more purgatorial
• superlative: most purgatorial
• present tense: purgatory
• future tense: will purgatory
• perfect tense: has purgatoried
• continuous tense: is purgatorying
• singular: purgatory
• positive degree: purgatory
• infinitive: to purgatory
• gerund: purgatorying
• participle: purgatoryed

Origin and Evolution of purgatory

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'purgatory' originated from the Latin word 'purgatorium', which means a place of cleansing or purifying.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in Christian theology to refer to a place or state of temporary punishment or purification for those who have died in a state of grace but with lingering sins, the meaning of 'purgatory' has evolved to also represent a state of suffering or torment in a broader sense.