ecumenical

[ ek-yoo-men-i-kuhlor, especially British, ee-kyoo- ]

adjective

1. general; universal.
2. pertaining to the whole Christian church.
3. promoting or fostering Christian unity throughout the world.
4. of or relating to a movement ecumenical movement, especially among Protestant groups since the 1800s, aimed at achieving universal Christian unity and church union through international interdenominational organizations that cooperate on matters of mutual concern.
5. interreligious or interdenominational:

   an ecumenical marriage.

6. including or containing a mixture of diverse elements or styles; mixed:

   an ecumenical meal of German, Italian, and Chinese dishes.

ecumenical

/ ˌɛk-; ˌiːkjʊˈmɛnɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Christian Church throughout the world, esp with regard to its unity
2. 1. tending to promote unity among Churches
   2. of or relating to the international movement initiated among non-Catholic Churches in 1910 aimed at Christian unity: embodied, since 1937, in the World Council of Churches
3. rare.
   universal; general; worldwide

Derived Forms

• ˌecuˈmenically, adverb

Other Words From

• ecu·meni·cal·ly adverb
• nonec·u·menic adjective
• nonec·u·meni·cal adjective
• nonoec·u·menic adjective
• unoec·u·menic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ecumenical¹

1835–45; < Late Latin oecumenicus belonging to the whole inhabited world (< Greek oikoumenikós, equivalent to oikoumen- (stem of passive present participle of oikeîn to inhabit) + -ikos -ic ) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ecumenical¹

C16: via Late Latin from Greek oikoumenikos, from oikein to inhabit, from oikos house

Example Sentences

In fact, the archives of this paper has proof of my uncle’s ecumenical approach — a 1992 article about him and Carmen buying their home in East L.A. features a photo of them and Rudy, with my uncle sporting an Oakland A’s cap while Rudy wore a San Francisco Giants hat.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the program represents a groundbreaking effort to build understanding about the Palestinian people, who are often portrayed through the lens of the conflict with Israel, yet have a long, rich ethical and ecumenical history of their own.

From Los Angeles Times

The draft containing the revisions, dated April 3, states “that there are thoughtful Christians and churches that have different interpretations. Therefore, we expect all members of this global, evangelical, and ecumenical seminary student and learner community to live with integrity consistent to the Christian communities to which they belong.”

From Seattle Times

He recommends the ecumenical approach: “It’s great to go try all of them — see what fits what you like.”

From Seattle Times

Johnson took the meeting despite the fact that evangelicals make up only 2% of Ukraine’s population and Johnson refused to meet with an ecumenical delegation in late 2023.

From Salon

Related Words

• comprehensive