Nave
/neɪv/noun
The central part of a church building, intended to accommodate the congregation.
Did you know?In ancient architecture, the nave was often designed to evoke the image of a ship, symbolizing the church as a vessel guiding souls through the waters of life.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*nau-
“to swim or float”
Latin
Latin
navis
“ship or boat”
Old French
Old French
nave
“the main body of a church, derived from the Latin term for ship”
Middle English
Middle English
nave
“the central part of a church, often likened to a ship”
Modern English
English
nave
“the main area of a church where the congregation gathers”