Background for glossolalia
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glossolalia

/ˌɡlɒsəˈleɪliə/ /ˌɡlɑsəˈleɪliə/

Meanings
noun
Speaking a language one does not know, or speaking elaborate but apparently meaningless speech, while in a trance-like state (or, supposedly, under the influence of a deity or spirits); speaking in tongues.

Examples :

"During the religious service, some people began speaking in what sounded like a foreign language, a phenomenon known as glossolalia. "
religion language soul theology communication linguistics phenomena mind

Related Words

Illustration phenomenon

phenomenon noun

/fɪˈnɒmənɒn/ /fɪˈnɑmənɑn/

A thing or being, event or process, perceptible through senses; or a fact or occurrence thereof.

"The sudden increase in student absences is a noticeable phenomenon. "

Illustration elaborate

elaborate verb

/ɪˈlæbəɹeɪt/

To develop in detail or complexity

"The teacher elaborated on the history of the Roman Empire, explaining many details about their daily life. "

Illustration documented

documented verb

/ˈdɑkjəˌmɛntɪd/ /ˈdɑkjəˌmɛntəd/

To record in documents.

"He documented each step of the process as he did it, which was good when the investigation occurred."

Illustration apparently

apparently adverb

/əˈpaɹəntli/ /əˈpæɹ.ɨnt.li/

Plainly; clearly; manifestly; evidently.

"Apparently, the meeting was canceled. "

Illustration individuals

individuals noun

/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlz/

A person considered alone, rather than as belonging to a group of people.

"He is an unusual individual."

Illustration practicing

practicing noun

/ˈpɹæktɪsɪŋ/ /ˈpɹæktɪzɪŋ/

The act of one who practices.

"Her diligent practicing on the piano led to a stunning performance at the recital. "

Illustration influence

influence noun

/ˈɪn.flu.əns/

The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.

"I have absolutely no influence over him."

Illustration meaningless

meaningless adjective

/ˈmiːnɪŋləs/ /ˈmiːnɪŋlɪs/

Lacking meaning.

"The word "gugugu" is meaningless in English."

Illustration supposedly

supposedly adverb

/səˈpoʊzɪdli/ /səˈpoʊzədli/

As a matter of supposition; in the beliefs or according to the claims of some people.

"According to your testimony, you were supposedly at home watching TV when the murder occurred."

Illustration religious

religious noun

/ɹɪ.ˈlɪ.d͡ʒəs/

A member of a religious order, i.e. a monk or nun.

"The religious devoted much of their time to prayer and meditation. "

Illustration spontaneously

spontaneously adverb

/spɒnˈteɪ.ni.əs.li/ /spɑnˈteɪ.ni.əs.li/

In a spontaneous manner; naturally; voluntarily.

"The children laughed spontaneously at the silly clown's antics. "

Illustration anthropologist

anthropologist noun

/ˌæn.θɹoʊˈpɑl.ə.d͡ʒɪst/

One who is versed in anthropology.

"The anthropologist studied the ancient tools to learn about the daily lives of people long ago. "