Igreja
/iˈɡɾe.ʒɐ/noun
A building used for public Christian worship.
Did you know?The term 'Igreja' is derived from the Greek word 'ekklesia', which originally referred to an assembly of citizens in ancient Greece, often called to discuss matters of state, blending the sacred with the civic.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἐκκλησία (ekklesía)
“A gathering of citizens, especially to discuss public affairs or worship.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
ecclesia
“Adoption from Greek, used to refer to the Christian community or congregation.”
Early Middle Ages
Old Portuguese
igreja
“Derived from Latin 'ecclesia', denoting a Christian place of worship.”
Modern Portuguese
Portuguese
igreja
“The contemporary term for a church or place of Christian worship.”