Catherine
pronunciation
How to pronounce Catherine in British English:
UK [ˈkæθərin]
How to pronounce Catherine in American English:
US [ˈkæθərɪn, ˈkæθrɪn]
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- Noun:
- first wife of Henry VIII; Henry's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)
- Empress of Russia who greatly increased the territory of the empire (1729-1796)
Word Origin
- Catherine
- fem. proper name, from French Catherine, from Medieval Latin Katerina, from Latin Ecaterina, from Greek Aikaterine. The -h- was introduced 16c., probably a folk etymology from Greek katharos "pure" (see catharsis). The initial Greek vowel is preserved in Russian form Ekaterina. As the name of a type of pear, attested from 1640s. Catherine wheel (early 13c.) is named for St. Catherine of Alexandria, legendary virgin martyr from the time of Maximinus who was tortured on a spiked wheel. Her name day is Nov. 25. A popular saint in the Middle Ages, which accounts for the popularity of the given name.
Example
- 1. Does catherine need money -- is that it ?
- 2. No -- it 's what I 'm saying about catherine .
- 3. But catherine camus raised no objections .
- 4. Catherine is delighted to see him although edgar is not so keen .
- 5. Catherine came from a very rich merchant family but was essentially of lower birth .