What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sanctorium
Example
The sanctorium of the church was beautifully decorated for the wedding ceremony. [sanctorium: noun]
Example
Only the priests were allowed to enter the sanctorium during the service. [sanctorium: noun]
shrine
Example
The shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a popular pilgrimage site in Mexico. [shrine: noun]
Example
The city built a shrine to commemorate the victims of the earthquake. [shrine: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shrine is more commonly used than sanctorium in everyday language. Shrine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sanctorium is less common and is mostly used in religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sanctorium and shrine?
Both sanctorium and shrine are formal words that are typically used in religious or academic contexts. However, sanctorium may be considered more formal due to its association with traditional religious practices and the clergy.
