Interdenominational

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Concerning the cooperation or dialogue between various religious groups, encompassing events or initiatives that involve more than one denomination, and highlighting efforts aimed at fostering togetherness among diverse faith traditions
2. Involving collaborative actions or discussions among different faith-based sects, signifying activities that bring together multiple religious communities, and promoting shared goals or values despite doctrinal differences
3. Relating to the interaction and collaboration among various religious denominations, emphasizing initiatives that unite distinct faith communities with a common purpose

Etymology: "Interdenominational" is a plain compound, built in English from the Latin prefix "inter-" (meaning "between" or "among") and "denominational," so the history lies mostly in the parts. "Inter-" came into English from Latin and is still productive, forming words like "international" and "intercontinental," and it turns the adjective it attaches to into a statement about relations between separate groups. "Denominational" is the older piece. A denomination is a named sect or branch within a religion, from Latin "denominare," "to name," so a denomination is literally a group that has been given a name. The suffix "-al" comes from Latin "-alis," through Old French and Middle English, and simply marks the adjective form. Put together, "interdenominational" describes what happens between distinct named religious bodies, such as a joint service or a shared committee, and its meaning follows directly from those two parts.

Synonyms: ecumenical, interfaith, cross-denominational

Antonyms: denominational, sectarian, exclusive