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Archbishop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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archbishop

[ˈɑːrtʃˌbɪʃəp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

religious leader

An archbishop is a bishop of the highest rank who presides over other bishops in a specific region. Archbishops are usually in charge of an archdiocese and have authority over a group of dioceses.

Synonyms

bishop, prelate, primate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
archbishop

Use 'archbishop' to refer to a high-ranking official in the Christian clergy who oversees an archdiocese, which is larger than a diocese. Generally, an archbishop has more authority than a bishop.

  • The archbishop delivered a moving sermon during the Easter service.
  • Archbishop Collins has been appointed to oversee the new archdiocese.
bishop

Use 'bishop' to refer to a clergy member in Christian denominations who oversees a diocese or a group of churches within a specific area. The bishop ranks below an archbishop.

  • The bishop of the diocese is visiting our church next Sunday.
  • Bishop O'Connor has been very active in community outreach programs.
primate

Use 'primate' to refer to a bishop of the highest rank in certain Christian churches, particularly in the Anglican and Eastern Orthodox traditions. The primate is usually the head of the national church.

  • The primate of the Anglican Church in England is the Archbishop of Canterbury.
  • The primate issued a statement addressing the recent events in the country.
prelate

Use 'prelate' in formal or literary contexts to refer to high-ranking clergy officials, including bishops and archbishops. It is a general term that does not specify a particular rank.

  • The prelate gave a lengthy address at the interfaith conference.
  • As a prelate, he has considerable influence in ecclesiastical decisions.

Examples of usage

  • The archbishop led the ceremony at the cathedral.
  • Archbishops play a key role in the governance of the church.
  • She was appointed as the archbishop of the province.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'archbishop' comes from the Old English 'earcbiscop', meaning 'chief bishop'.
  • The role dates back to the early Christian Church, where bishops were responsible for overseeing their communities.
  • In medieval Europe, archbishops held significant power, often influencing political decisions in addition to spiritual ones.

Religious Structure

  • In many Christian denominations, an archbishop is responsible for a province, which is a group of dioceses.
  • Archbishops often convene councils to make decisions affecting the church and its practices.
  • They also participate in major ceremonies and represent their church in interfaith activities.

Cultural Significance

  • In the Anglican Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury is a globally recognized figure, often seen as a spiritual leader.
  • Many cultures have depicted archbishops in art, emphasizing their authority and role within society.
  • Archbishops may have unique ceremonial dress, which includes a mitre (a type of hat) and a crosier (a ceremonial staff).

Pop Culture

  • Archbishops occasionally appear in films or literature, symbolizing authority and moral guidance.
  • Fictional portrayals often reflect the tension between religious authority and personal beliefs in stories.

Modern Roles

  • Today, archbishops engage in social issues, voicing opinions on matters such as justice, peace, and community welfare.
  • They can play key roles in interfaith dialogues, promoting understanding between different religions.
  • Many archbishops use media, including social platforms, to connect with a broader audience and speak on contemporary issues.

Origin of 'archbishop'

The word 'archbishop' originated from Old English and Old French, combining 'archi-' (meaning chief) and 'bishop'. The term has been used in Christian denominations to refer to bishops with higher authority since the 4th century. Archbishops historically played important roles in the hierarchy of the church and continue to hold significant positions in various religious institutions.

See also: bishop, bishopric.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,572, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.