Ecclesiastes

[ ih-klee-zee-as-teez ]
/ ɪˌkli ziˈæs tiz /

noun

a book of the Bible. Abbreviation: Eccl., Eccles.

Origin of Ecclesiastes

< Late Latin < Greek ekklēsiastḗs assemblyman, preacher, equivalent to ekklēsí(a) ecclesia + -astēs, variant of -istēs -ist after a vowel

Example sentences from the Web for ecclesiastes

British Dictionary definitions for ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes
/ (ɪˌkliːzɪˈæstiːz) /

noun

(functioning as singular) a book of the Old Testament, probably written about 250 bc

Word Origin for Ecclesiastes

via Late Latin, from Greek ekklēsiastēs member of the assembly; see ecclesia

Cultural definitions for ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes
[ (i-klee-zee-as-teez) ]

A book in the Old Testament containing the reflections of a philosopher known as “the Preacher.” “Vanity of vanity saith the Preacher, ... all is vanity,” where the word “vanity” indicates that striving is in vain, because death comes to all, and “there is no new thing under the sun.” He believes that our character and achievements do not affect our fate. “The race is not to the swift nor to the strong.” He concludes that one should enjoy the good things found in life until death brings oblivion. The argument and tone of this book are very unlike those of the other books of the Bible (see also Bible). (See nothing new under the sun, A time to be born and a time to die, and Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.)