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Catholic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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catholic

[ˈkæθəlɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

religious belief

The term 'Catholic' refers to the faith, teachings, and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, which is the largest Christian denomination. It embodies a set of beliefs centered on the authority of the Pope and the tenets outlined in the Nicene Creed. Catholicism emphasizes the importance of sacraments, such as baptism and communion, as essential means of grace. The Church also places significant emphasis on tradition and the interpretation of scriptures as guided by church authorities. Overall, being Catholic involves participating in the religious community and following its doctrines.

Synonyms

Christian, Roman Catholic, ecclesiastical.

Examples of usage

  • She was raised in a Catholic family.
  • The Catholic Church celebrates Christmas on December 25.
  • He attends Catholic services every Sunday.
Context #2 | Noun

religious follower

A Catholic is an individual who adheres to the Catholic faith, participates in its rituals, and accepts the authority of the Pope. Catholics often engage in practices such as attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, and participating in church community events. The term can refer to both laypeople and ordained members of the Church. The identity involves a commitment to the teachings of the Church and often a sense of belonging to a larger religious community. Being Catholic can also influence cultural and moral perspectives.

Synonyms

believer, follower, practitioner.

Examples of usage

  • She is a devout Catholic.
  • Many Catholics participate in charitable works.
  • The Catholic attended the Mass.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • The Catholic Church claims apostolic succession, tracing its leadership back to Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ's apostles.
  • The Great Schism of 1054 split Christianity into the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, highlighting religious and cultural differences.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and film, Catholicism is often portrayed in themes of morality, guilt, and redemption, influencing many works from Dostoevsky to modern movies.
  • The Catholic Church has inspired numerous works of art, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and countless Renaissance paintings.

Education

  • Catholic education often focuses on both academic achievement and moral values, with many institutions promoting social justice and community service.
  • Many notable universities, such as Georgetown and Notre Dame, are affiliated with the Catholic Church and emphasize both faith and knowledge.

Psychology

  • Studying the beliefs and practices of Catholicism can help psychologists understand the impact of faith on mental health.
  • Rituals such as confession and communion may provide social support and frameworks for coping with life's challenges.

Origin of 'catholic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'katholikos' meaning 'universal' or 'general.'
  • It was first used in Christian texts around the 2nd century to describe the universal church.

The word 'Catholic' originates from the Greek adjective 'katholikos', meaning 'universal' or 'general'. It can be traced back to the early Christian community where it was used to describe the orthodox teachings that were accepted by all. Early Church Fathers, such as St. Ignatius of Antioch in the 1st century AD, referred to the Church as 'Catholic' to signify its universal nature and the faith that was embraced by Christians across various regions. The term became widely used in the early Middle Ages as a way to distinguish the mainstream Christian faith from various heresies and sects. As Christianity spread throughout Europe and parts of the world, the Roman Catholic Church came to hold a prominent position in shaping religious, cultural, and social norms. Finally, in the 16th century, during the Protestant Reformation, the distinction between 'Catholic' and 'Protestant' became even more pronounced, leading to the establishment of Catholicism as the largest branch of Christianity, with continued significance into the modern era.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,610, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.