C1noun 2K

Sacrifice

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈsækrɪfaɪs/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈsækrɪfaɪs/"]/

Meaning of Sacrifice

the fact of giving up something important or valuable to you in order to get or do something that seems more important; something that you give up in this way

In simple words: to give up something for a purpose or someone else's benefit

Sacrifice in a sentence

• The makers of the product assured us that there had been no sacrifice of quality.
• Her parents **made sacrifices** so that she could have a good education.
• to make the **ultimate/supreme sacrifice** *(= to die for your country, to save a friend, etc.)*
• They offered sacrifices to the gods.
• a human sacrifice *(= a person killed as a )*

How to use Sacrifice

Used in contexts where someone gives up something important to achieve a greater goal. Generally neutral, but can be formal when discussing serious topics. Avoid informal contexts like casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

sacrifice + object + for + object

Memory hint

Think of 'sack of rice' — giving up rice to help others in need.

Related words

Collocations with Sacrifice

• big
• considerable
• enormous
• be
• make
• involve
• animal
• human
• pagan
• perform
• offer (something as)
• sacrifice to

Synonyms for Sacrifice

• give up
• relinquish
• forfeit
• yield
• donate

Opposites of Sacrifice

• gain
• keep
• retain

Common mistakes with Sacrifice

• Confused with 'sacrifice' as a noun vs. verb
• Using 'sacrifice' without an object (incorrect usage)
• Mixing up with similar words like 'offer' or 'give' inappropriately

Frequently asked questions about Sacrifice

What does Sacrifice mean?

to give up something for a purpose or someone else's benefit

What is the definition of Sacrifice?

the fact of giving up something important or valuable to you in order to get or do something that seems more important; something that you give up in this way

How do you use Sacrifice in a sentence?

The makers of the product assured us that there had been no sacrifice of quality.

Can you give another example of Sacrifice?

Her parents **made sacrifices** so that she could have a good education.

What are synonyms for Sacrifice?

Common alternatives include give up, relinquish, forfeit, yield, donate.

What is the opposite of Sacrifice?

Opposite meanings include gain, keep, retain.

What words go with Sacrifice?

It commonly pairs with big, considerable, enormous, be, make, involve, animal, human, pagan, perform, offer (something as), sacrifice to.

What are common mistakes when using Sacrifice?

Confused with 'sacrifice' as a noun vs. verb Using 'sacrifice' without an object (incorrect usage) Mixing up with similar words like 'offer' or 'give' inappropriately

How do you pronounce Sacrifice?

US: /["/ˈsækrɪfaɪs/"]/, UK: /["/ˈsækrɪfaɪs/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Sacrifice?

Used in contexts where someone gives up something important to achieve a greater goal. Generally neutral, but can be formal when discussing serious topics. Avoid informal contexts like casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Sacrifice?

"Sacrifice" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.