How Do You Spell TONSURE?

Pronunciation: [tˈɒnʒə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "tonsure" can be a bit tricky to decipher, but it is pronounced /ˈtɒn.ʃə(r)/. The IPA phonetic transcription breaks down the pronunciation as follows: the first syllable "ton" is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by a nasal "n" sound. The second syllable "sure" is pronounced with a short "u" sound and a "sh" sound followed by a silent "e". A tonsure was originally a religious rite where hair was shaved from the crown of the head.

TONSURE Meaning and Definition

  1. Tonsure refers to a traditional practice of shaving or cutting someone's hair, usually the head, as a religious or cultural rite. This term derives from the Latin word "tonsura," which means to shear or cut. The act of tonsuring has been prevalent in various cultures and religions throughout history, and it continues to hold significance in certain traditions to this day.

    In religious contexts, tonsure symbolizes a person's commitment or dedication to a particular faith or religious order. For example, in Christianity, it is commonly performed during the initiation of clergy members, such as priests or monks, signifying their separation from the secular world and their devotion to God. Similarly, in Buddhism, tonsure is a crucial ritual for those striving for spiritual enlightenment as part of the monastic life.

    Tonsure can also be encountered in cultural practices beyond religious contexts. In some societies, it is associated with various rites of passage or as a mark of distinction, denoting group membership or social status. Historical examples include initiation ceremonies among indigenous tribes or certain warrior cultures.

    The actual technique of tonsuring can differ depending on the cultural or religious traditions involved. It may entail shaving the entire head or creating specific patterns or shapes with the hair. However, the underlying symbolism of detachment, commitment, or belonging generally remains consistent across different toning practices around the world.

  2. The act of clipping the hair of shaving the crown of the head; the state of being shorn; in the R. Cath. Ch., the first ceremony performed in devoting a person to the priesthood; the corona or crown worn by priests as a mark of their order and rank in the Church.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TONSURE

Etymology of TONSURE

The word "tonsure" is derived from the Latin word "tonsura", which means "a shearing or clipping of hair". The term originated from the practice of cutting or shaving the hair in a specific manner, particularly associated with religious or ceremonial purposes. In Christianity, the tonsure was often performed as a sign of entering religious life, symbolizing renunciation of worldly vanity and dedication to spiritual service. Over time, the term "tonsure" has expanded to refer to various types of haircuts or hairstyles, particularly those involving a circular, shaved, or closely cropped area on the head.

Similar spelling words for TONSURE

Plural form of TONSURE is TONSURES

Conjugate verb Tonsure

CONDITIONAL

I would tonsure
you would tonsure
he/she/it would tonsure
we would tonsure
they would tonsure

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be tonsuring
you would be tonsuring
he/she/it would be tonsuring
we would be tonsuring
they would be tonsuring

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have tonsure
you would have tonsure
he/she/it would have tonsure
we would have tonsure
they would have tonsure

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been tonsuring
you would have been tonsuring
he/she/it would have been tonsuring
we would have been tonsuring
they would have been tonsuring

FUTURE

I will tonsure
you will tonsure
he/she/it will tonsure
we will tonsure
they will tonsure

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be tonsuring
you will be tonsuring
he/she/it will be tonsuring
we will be tonsuring
they will be tonsuring

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have tonsured
you will have tonsured
he/she/it will have tonsured
we will have tonsured
they will have tonsured

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been tonsuring
you will have been tonsuring
he/she/it will have been tonsuring
we will have been tonsuring
they will have been tonsuring

IMPERATIVE

you tonsure
we let´s tonsure

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to tonsure

PAST

I tonsured
you tonsured
he/she/it tonsured
we tonsured
they tonsured

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was tonsuring
you were tonsuring
he/she/it was tonsuring
we were tonsuring
they were tonsuring

PAST PARTICIPLE

tonsured

PAST PERFECT

I had tonsured
you had tonsured
he/she/it had tonsured
we had tonsured
they had tonsured

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been tonsuring
you had been tonsuring
he/she/it had been tonsuring
we had been tonsuring
they had been tonsuring

PRESENT

I tonsure
you tonsure
he/she/it tonsures
we tonsure
they tonsure

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am tonsuring
you are tonsuring
he/she/it is tonsuring
we are tonsuring
they are tonsuring

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

tonsuring

PRESENT PERFECT

I have tonsured
you have tonsured
he/she/it has tonsured
we have tonsured
they have tonsured

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been tonsuring
you have been tonsuring
he/she/it has been tonsuring
we have been tonsuring
they have been tonsuring
I would have tonsured
we would have tonsured
you would have tonsured
he/she/it would have tonsured
they would have tonsured

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