Shriven meaning

Shriven means to have been confessed and absolved of sins.


Shriven definitions

Word backwards nevirhs
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "shriven" is a verb.
Syllabic division shriv-en
Plural The plural form of the word "shriven" is "shrivens."
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) i,e
Consonants (5) s,h,r,v,n

When someone is shriven, it means that they have been absolved of their sins through confession and penance. Shriven is an old-fashioned way of saying someone has been forgiven and cleansed of their wrongdoing. This term is commonly used in religious contexts, especially in the Christian faith.

The Process of Being Shriven

Shriving typically involves confessing one's sins to a priest, who then offers counsel and assigns a penance to the individual seeking absolution. The person may be required to perform certain acts of penance, such as prayers or charitable deeds, to demonstrate their repentance and make amends for their wrongdoing.

Confession plays a central role in the process of being shriven. By confessing one's sins, the individual takes responsibility for their actions and expresses genuine remorse. This act of contrition is essential for receiving forgiveness and moving forward in a positive direction.

Historical Significance

Shriving has a long history in the Christian tradition, dating back to the early days of the church. In medieval times, people would often be shriven before important religious holidays or events, such as Easter or Christmas, to ensure they were spiritually prepared and free from sin.

Forgiveness is a key part of being shriven. Through the act of confession and penance, individuals seek forgiveness from God and their community for their transgressions. This process allows them to receive grace and move forward with a clean conscience.

Absolution is the final step in the process of being shriven. After confessing their sins and completing their penance, the individual receives absolution from the priest, indicating that their sins have been forgiven and they are now in a state of grace.


Shriven Examples

  1. After confessing his sins, the priest shriven him of his wrongdoing.
  2. She sought to be shriven of her guilt by seeking forgiveness.
  3. The penitent man left the church feeling shriven of his burdens.
  4. The act of being shriven allowed him to start anew.
  5. She hoped to be shriven of her past mistakes and move forward.
  6. The knight was shriven before going into battle, seeking spiritual cleansing.
  7. The criminal sought to be shriven of his crimes before facing his punishment.
  8. The ceremony of being shriven helped him find peace within himself.
  9. She felt a sense of relief after being shriven by the priest.
  10. Being shriven of his sins allowed him to feel pure once again.


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  • Updated 19/05/2024 - 21:20:44