Unction

Pronunciation: /ˈʌŋkʃən/

Definitions of unction

noun excessive or ingratiating flattery

Example Sentences

A1 The priest used unction to bless the sick person.

A2 In some cultures, unction is believed to have healing powers.

B1 The nurse applied unction to the patient's wound to prevent infection.

B2 The unction administered by the shaman was said to cure all ailments.

C1 The unction performed by the high priest was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.

C2 The unction of the anointing ceremony symbolized the divine blessing bestowed upon the new king.

Examples of unction in a Sentence

formal The priest administered the sacrament of unction to the sick parishioner.

informal I heard that the new lotion has a special unction that makes your skin really soft.

slang I don't trust those snake oil salesmen with their unctions and potions.

figurative Her words had a soothing unction, calming everyone in the room.

Grammatical Forms of unction

• past tense: unctioned
• plural: unctions
• comparative: more unction
• superlative: most unction
• present tense: unction
• future tense: will unction
• perfect tense: have unctioned
• continuous tense: is unctioning
• singular: unction
• positive degree: unction
• infinitive: to unction
• gerund: unctioning
• participle: unctioned

Origin and Evolution of unction

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'unction' originated from the Latin word 'unctio' which means anointing or rubbing with oil.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'unction' has evolved to also refer to a religious rite or act of anointing with oil as a sacrament, especially in the Roman Catholic Church.