unction Definition
- 1the action of anointing someone with oil or ointment as a religious rite or as a symbol of investiture as a monarch
- 2excessive and insincere earnestness, especially in manner or speech
Using unction: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "unction" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The priest performed the unction on the sick man.
Example
The politician's unction was seen as insincere by many voters.
Example
She spoke with unction about the importance of charity work.
unction Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for unction
Antonyms for unction
Phrases with unction
a Roman Catholic sacrament for the benefit of a person who is seriously ill or dying, consisting of anointing the forehead and hands with blessed oil and saying prayers
Example
The priest came to administer the last unction to the dying man.
a phrase used to describe the transition from a ceremonial or symbolic role to a practical or functional one
Example
After the coronation, the new king must move from unction to function and begin governing the country.
a phrase used in Christian theology to describe the power and influence of the Holy Spirit in guiding and inspiring believers
Example
The preacher spoke about the unction of the Holy Spirit in his sermon.
Origins of unction
from Latin 'unctio', meaning 'anointing'
Summary: unction in Brief
The term 'unction' [ˈʌŋkʃən] refers to the act of anointing someone with oil or ointment as a religious rite or symbol of investiture, as well as excessive and insincere earnestness in manner or speech. It includes phrases like 'last unction,' a Catholic sacrament for the dying, and 'unction to function,' describing the transition from symbolic to practical roles. 'Unction' can also refer to the power of the Holy Spirit in Christian theology.
