Spanish word

secta

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈsekta/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsect

Example

Mi abuelo pertenece a una secta antigua.

My grandfather belongs to an old sect.

Illustration for secta (sect)

More examples

La secta prometía respuestas fáciles a problemas personales.

The sect promised easy answers to personal problems.

Core concept

Small, separate social or religious group organized around shared beliefs.

Common phrases

  • miembro de una secta

    member of a sect

  • pertenecer a una secta

    belong to a sect

  • unirse a una secta

    join a sect

Similar words

religión: Large, established system of faith and practice with historical roots and wide popular support.
culto: Group built around fervent devotion to a charismatic leader or strict doctrine.
denominación: Branch of a religion sharing common teachings, liturgy, and organizational structure.

Definition in Spanish

Grupo religioso o social pequeño que mantiene creencias y prácticas propias y se distingue de la corriente mayoritaria.

Word origin

Originally from Latin secta 'way' or 'school' (related to sequi 'to follow'), Spanish secta refers to a minority group that preserves its own practices and identity.

Usage tips

  • Secta can refer to nonreligious groups as well as religious ones, so check context before assuming it denotes only a religious organization.

Other meanings

  • cultnoun

Related words

  • sectariosectariannoun

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