What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
madrassah
Example
He attended a madrassah to study Islamic law. [madrassah: noun]
Example
The madrassah curriculum includes Arabic grammar, Quranic interpretation, and Islamic jurisprudence. [madrassah: noun]
seminary
Example
He enrolled in a seminary to become a priest. [seminary: noun]
Example
The seminary offers courses in biblical studies, church history, and pastoral care. [seminary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Seminary is more commonly used than madrassah in English-speaking countries. Seminary is a well-known term that is used to describe religious schools across different religions, while madrassah is more specific to Islamic education.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between madrassah and seminary?
Seminary is generally viewed as a formal and academic term, while madrassah can have a more informal connotation due to its association with Islamic education in Muslim-majority countries.
