ecumene Definition
- 1the permanently inhabited portion of the earth's surface
- 2the regions of the world that are inhabited by humans
Using ecumene: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ecumene" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The ecumene is expanding as more people move into previously uninhabited areas.
Example
The ecumene of the ancient world was much smaller than it is today.
Example
The ecumene of the Arctic is limited to a few small communities.
Example
The ecumene of the Amazon rainforest is threatened by deforestation.
ecumene Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for ecumene
- populated area
- inhabited region
- civilized world
Phrases with ecumene
non-ecumene
the uninhabited or very sparsely populated regions of the world
Example
The non-ecumene regions of the world include the polar ice caps and the Sahara Desert.
a movement promoting unity among different Christian churches or denominations
Example
The ecumenical movement seeks to overcome historical divisions between different branches of Christianity.
a hypothetical city that covers the entire surface of the earth, including both urban and rural areas
Example
The concept of an ecumenopolis raises questions about sustainability and the relationship between humans and the natural environment.
Origins of ecumene
from Greek 'oikoumenē', meaning 'the inhabited world'
Summary: ecumene in Brief
'Ecumene' [ih-kyoo-muh-nee] refers to the permanently inhabited portion of the earth's surface or the regions of the world that are inhabited by humans. It can be used to describe the expansion of human settlement into previously uninhabited areas, such as the Arctic or the Amazon rainforest. 'Ecumene' also has related terms like 'non-ecumene,' which describes uninhabited regions, and 'ecumenical movement,' which refers to efforts to promote unity among different Christian churches.
