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sacrifice

noun

/ˈsæk rəˌfaɪs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of sacrifice

The profound act of willingly giving up something of value or importance for the sake of a higher purpose or cause.
"The parents made sacrifices to ensure their children received a good education."

Detailed meaning of sacrifice

It is a selfless gesture that demands courage, devotion, and a willingness to put the needs of others before one's own. Sacrifice often involves relinquishing personal desires, comfort, or even one's own well-being for the betterment of others or to achieve a greater objective. It can manifest in various forms, whether it be sacrificing time, resources, opportunities, or even making difficult decisions that entail personal loss. Sacrifice is born out of compassion, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility towards others. It exemplifies the capacity to transcend self-interest and embrace the collective welfare of a community or the pursuit of a noble ideal. Sacrifice, although accompanied by inherent challenges and hardships, possesses the power to inspire, unite, and bring about transformative change, leaving an indelible mark on individuals, societies, and history itself.

Example sentences containing sacrifice

1. The soldier made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down his life for his country.
2. She made a sacrifice by giving up her dream job to care for her ailing parent.
3. The athlete's sacrifice of countless hours of training paid off when she won the gold medal.
4. He made a financial sacrifice to support a cause he believed in.
5. The firefighter showed incredible bravery and sacrifice while rescuing people from the burning building.
6. She sacrificed her personal time to volunteer at the local shelter.

History and etymology of sacrifice

The word 'sacrifice' has its etymological roots in both Latin and Old French. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'sacrificium,' which is a combination of 'sacer,' meaning 'sacred,' and 'facere,' meaning 'to make' or 'to perform.' In ancient Roman and religious contexts, 'sacrificium' referred to the ritualistic offering of something valuable, often an animal or an object, to appease gods or divine entities. As the concept of sacrifice evolved over time, it came to encompass the profound act of willingly giving up something of value or importance for the sake of a higher purpose or cause. This shift in meaning is reflected in its adoption into Old French as 'sacrifice,' and later into English, where it continues to represent the noble act of selflessly surrendering something meaningful in pursuit of a greater good or spiritual significance.

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Further usage examples of sacrifice

1. The team captain made a sacrifice by benching himself to give a struggling teammate a chance to shine.
2. The artist made sacrifices to pursue her passion, living on a tight budget to fund her projects.
3. The scientist dedicated years of research and made personal sacrifices to make groundbreaking discoveries.
4. They made sacrifices in their social lives to prioritize their career advancement.
5. The environmentalist chose to live a minimalist lifestyle as a sacrifice to reduce their carbon footprint.
6. Her sacrifice for the greater good will be remembered.
7. Many soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
8. Sacrifice is often a testament to one's devotion.
9. The sacrifice of time and effort led to their success.
10. Sacrifice is a key theme in many heroic stories.
11. Making a sacrifice for family is a noble gesture.
12. Sacrifice can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
13. The sacrifices they made paved the way for progress.
14. Sacrifice is an integral part of achieving one's goals.
15. The act of sacrifice can be both selfless and profound.
16. Sacrifice often involves giving up immediate gratification.
17. They made a significant sacrifice for their beliefs.
18. Sacrifice can bring about positive change in society.
19. His sacrifice inspired others to follow his example.
20. Making a sacrifice can test one's strength and resolve.
21. Sacrifice is a cornerstone of many religious teachings.
22. The sacrifice of comfort led to a life of adventure.
23. Society recognizes the sacrifices of healthcare workers.
24. Their sacrifice was a symbol of unwavering commitment.
25. Sacrifice is a powerful expression of love and devotion.