What does "dorcas" mean?
A member of a Dorcas association.
Dorcas
/ˈdɔɹkəs/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A member of a Dorcas association.
- Grammar: dorcas is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: dorcas gazelle, gazelle, saint tabitha, tabitha.
- Useful contrasts: anonymous, unknown person.
- Usage evidence: "Was Dorcas there, then?" "Of course not. She 'happened to be near the door'."
How to use "dorcas"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "dorcas" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "dorcas" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "dorcas" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "dorcas" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "dorcas" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "dorcas gazelle" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "dorcas", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A member of a Dorcas association.
"Secondly, When a person not only hath grace, but also is beneficial, usefull, doth much good in his time, is diffusive of holinesse, full of good works, serves his generation, and hath done his work before he fals asleep, hath his Dorcasses coats to be seen after his death; it is only our doing good that makes us called good;"
Verb
- 1 To do the work of a Dorcas; to make and distribute clothes to the poor.
"They had been pouring tea and passing wafers when they should have been Dorcassing at their Christmas tasks."
Proper Noun
- 1 A woman who is said, in the Bible, to have been restored to life by Peter.
"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas; this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did."
- 2 A female given name from Ancient Greek of biblical origin.
- 3 Used attributively of a ladies' association within the church in order to make and distribute clothes for the poor. attributive, form-of, historical
"She established a Dorcas society at Baslehurst, of which she became permanent president, and spent her money in carrying on this institution in the manner most pleasing to herself."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
anonymousunknown person
Example
""Was Dorcas there, then?" "Of course not. She 'happened to be near the door'.""
Common questions
What is a synonym for "dorcas"?
Common synonyms include: dorcas gazelle, gazelle, saint tabitha, tabitha.
How do you use "dorcas" in a sentence?
"Was Dorcas there, then?" "Of course not. She 'happened to be near the door'."
How do you pronounce "dorcas"?
Pronounced /ˈdɔɹkəs/.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek δορκάς (dorkás, “gazelle”), translation of Tabitha in the Bible.