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.
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.