If you occupy an advantageous position in society or you have a good job, then you could very well hear how your envious or ill-wishers called your position a sinecure. But what does "sinecure" mean? In the modern world, this word is practically not used, however, it is a shame not to know it. From this article you can not only learn the meaning of this word, but also its etymology.
Origin of the word
It came from the Latin expression sine cura animarum, which literally translated means "without caring for the soul."
In medieval Europe, sinecure was called the position in the Catholic Church. This position was only administrative and was not connected in any way with pastoral work. The person in this position did not care about the souls of the parishioners. After that, a figurative value also appeared, which became incremental. Sinecure began to be called any position that brings good earnings, but not related to multiple responsibilities, sometimes not even related to being directly at the place of work. It is noteworthy that this value is now the main one.
Meaning of the word βSinecuraβ
So, now that you have learned the etymology of the word, you can continue to familiarize yourself with it. Now we can move on to the meaning of the word "sinekura". This word is ambiguous. As you already learned from the previous section of the article, the first meaning, which is historical, is a church position that provides good income, but not connected with the need to find a person who received it at the place of work.
The second meaning of the word "Sinecure" is a position that gives a large income, but does not require much effort, physical or mental. This meaning is figurative and bookish.
The third value is also figurative, but it is also obsolete. So, a sinecure is a place or position in society that provides a comfortable existence.
After reading this article, you have learned the meaning of the word "sinekura".