Pentecostal
UK[ˌpentɪˈkɒstl]US[ˌpentɪˈkɔːstl]
adj
Relating to Pentecost or the Christian festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.
adj
Relating to or belonging to any of various Christian groups that emphasize the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and divine healing.
Morpheme Breakdown
pentecost
al
pentecost
feast name
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'Pentecostal' is built directly upon 'Pentecost', the name of the ancient Jewish harvest festival occurring on the fiftieth day after Passover. In Christian tradition, this same day commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, an event described in the New Testament. The adjective-forming suffix '-al' was attached to denote anything pertaining to this feast or its characteristics. In the 20th century, the term became specifically associated with a major Christian renewal movement that emphasizes the experiential gifts of the Holy Spirit, drawing a direct link back to the events of the first Pentecost.
Analysis
Structure: pentecost (feast name) + al (adjective suffix)
'Pentecost' is from Greek 'pentēkostē (hēmera)' meaning 'fiftieth (day)'. The suffix '-al' is from Latin '-alis', forming adjectives meaning 'of or pertaining to'.
Examples
She attends a vibrant Pentecostal church where expressive worship is common.
Pentecostal theology places a strong emphasis on the direct personal experience of God through the Holy Spirit.
The revival featured preaching from several prominent Pentecostal ministers.