word
Religious
nave
NAYV
neɪvListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
nave
Dictionary meaning
The central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation; the long central hall of a cathedral.
History and origin
Medieval Latin — 'navis' (ship) — the body of a church was likened to an upturned ship.
Examples
- Hundreds of worshippers sat in the cathedral nave during the Christmas service.
Common mispronunciations
NAH-vayNEHV
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