Episcopate: meaning, definitions and examples

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episcopate

 

[ ɪˈpɪskəpət ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

church leadership

The episcopate refers to the bishops of a particular church or region, collectively considered. The term is often used in the context of the hierarchy of the Christian church, where bishops hold a position of authority over clergy and congregants.

Synonyms

bishop's office, bishopric.

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Word Description / Examples
episcopate

Use when referring to the collective body of all bishops or the office or term of a bishop more formally. Commonly found in religious and academic contexts.

  • The episcopate has convened to discuss the new church policies.
  • Her reflections on the episcopate were profound and insightful.
bishopric

Indicates the geographic area or diocese that a bishop governs or the position itself. Often used in both religious and historical contexts.

  • The bishopric was well-known for its charitable contributions to the community.
  • The boundaries of the bishopric were recently redrawn to include the new parishes.
bishop's office

Typically used in less formal contexts to describe the administrative functions and duties of a bishop. Suitable for everyday conversation or organizational details.

  • He handled many administrative tasks during his tenure in the bishop's office.
  • The bishop's office will be responsible for overseeing the new charity initiative.

Examples of usage

  • The episcopate plays a crucial role in the decision-making process of the church.
  • Members of the episcopate gathered to discuss the upcoming changes in church policy.

Translations

Translations of the word "episcopate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 episcopado

🇮🇳 बिशप का कार्यालय

🇩🇪 Bistum

🇮🇩 keuskupan

🇺🇦 єпископат

🇵🇱 episkopat

🇯🇵 司教職

🇫🇷 épiscopat

🇪🇸 episcopado

🇹🇷 episkopluk

🇰🇷 주교직

🇸🇦 الأسقفية

🇨🇿 biskupství

🇸🇰 biskupstvo

🇨🇳 主教职位

🇸🇮 škofija

🇮🇸 biskupsdæmi

🇰🇿 епископат

🇬🇪 ეპისკოპოსობა

🇦🇿 episkopat

🇲🇽 episcopado

Etymology

The word 'episcopate' has its roots in Late Latin 'episcopatus', which means 'office of a bishop'. It entered the English language in the 17th century. The concept of episcopacy, or the governance of a church by bishops, has been a significant aspect of Christian history, particularly in hierarchical church structures.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,175, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.