How Do You Spell CHANCEL?
Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈansə͡l] (IPA) 
Correct spelling for the English word "chancel" is [t͡ʃˈansə͡l], [tʃˈansəl], [tʃ_ˈa_n_s_əl] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈansə͡l] (IPA)
Correct spelling for the English word "chancel" is [t͡ʃˈansə͡l], [tʃˈansəl], [tʃ_ˈa_n_s_əl] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
A chancel is an architectural feature within a church or cathedral, typically situated at the eastern end of the building. It is a defined space that separates the main body of the church, known as the nave, from the sanctuary. The word "chancel" is derived from the Latin term "cancelus," which means "lattice" or "screen," referencing the division between the clergy and the congregation.
The chancel is usually elevated a few steps above the level of the nave, emphasizing its importance as the sacred area where the altar, the focal point of Christian worship, is located. It is often marked by a decorative railing, known as a chancel screen, which separates it from the rest of the church.
The chancel is traditionally reserved for the clergy and the choir during religious ceremonies. It may also contain additional features such as the pulpit, the lectern, and the baptismal font. In some cases, the chancel may be adorned with intricate woodwork, stone carvings, stained glass windows, and ornate decorations.
Overall, the chancel serves as a symbolic and functional space within the church, emphasizing the separation between the clergy and the laity while also providing a sacred area for worship and sacraments.
That part in a church where the altar is placed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "chancel" originated from the Old French term "chancel", which can be traced back to the Latin word "cancellus". In Latin, "cancellus" referred to a lattice or barrier, often made of slats or bars, which separated the elevated part of a Roman basilica or court from the main area. Over time, the term "cancellus" evolved to include the area enclosed by the barrier, specifically the space around the altar in a Christian church. This sense was then borrowed into Old English as "cansel" or "chancel", eventually becoming the term we use today to refer to the area around the altar in a church.
