What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
catholic
Example
She is a devout Catholic and attends Mass every Sunday. [Catholic: adjective]
Example
The Catholic Church has a long history and rich traditions. [Catholic: noun]
ecumenical
Example
The ecumenical council brought together leaders from different Christian denominations to discuss important matters. [ecumenical: adjective]
Example
They organized an ecumenical prayer service to foster unity among believers. [ecumenical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Catholic is more commonly used than ecumenical in everyday language, especially in discussions about the Roman Catholic Church. Ecumenical is more commonly used in religious or academic contexts when referring to efforts for Christian unity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between catholic and ecumenical?
Both catholic and ecumenical can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, catholic may be more commonly associated with formal religious discussions, while ecumenical is often used in a more academic or interfaith dialogue setting.
