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Shrift - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Shrift refers to confession, especially in a religious context, or the act of hearing a confession. It is often used in the phrase short shrift, meaning brief and unsympathetic treatment.

shrift

/ʃrɪft/ /ʃrɪft/

Definition:

A confession or acknowledgment of sins, especially to a priest.

Synonyms:

confession, admission, acknowledgment

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

denial, concealment

Common Collocations:

short shrift, give shrift, hear shrift

Derivatives:

shrive, shrove

Usage Tips:

Use "shrift" in religious or formal contexts referring to confession or acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

Common Phrases:

short shrift, give someone short shrift

Etymology:

From Old English "scrift," meaning penance or confession, derived from Latin "scribere" (to write).

Examples:

  • 1. The priest listened to his shrift with patience.
  • 2. She gave his excuses short shrift and walked away.
  • 3. In medieval times, shrift was a solemn religious practice.
  • 4. He sought shrift to ease his troubled conscience.

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