What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thurible
Example
The priest swung the thurible back and forth, filling the church with the sweet smell of incense. [thurible: noun]
Example
The thurible was filled with hot coals and aromatic incense before the ceremony began. [thurible: adjective]
thurifer
Example
The thurifer led the procession, swinging the thurible as he walked. [thurifer: noun]
Example
The altar boy assisted the priest in filling the thurible with incense. [thurifer: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thurible is more commonly used than thurifer in everyday language, as it refers to the object used in the ceremony. Thurifer is a less common word that refers to a specific role in the ceremony.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thurible and thurifer?
Both thurible and thurifer are formal words associated with religious ceremonies and are not commonly used in everyday language.
