Ordain: meaning, definitions and examples

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ordain

[ ɔːrˈdeɪn ]

^{Context #1}

religious ceremony

To ordain means to confer holy orders upon someone, typically in the Christian church. It can also refer to formally appointing or decreeing something with authority.

Synonyms

appoint, consecrate, install

Examples of usage

The bishop will ordain the new priest next Sunday.
The council voted to ordain new regulations for the community.

^{Context #2}

destiny or fate

To ordain can also mean to predetermine or predestine something as if by divine will.

Synonyms

destine, foreordain, predestine

Examples of usage

It was ordained that they would meet again in the future.
Some believe that our paths are ordained by a higher power.

Translations

Translations of the word "ordain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ordenar

🇮🇳 अभिषेक करना

🇩🇪 weihen

🇮🇩 menahbiskan

🇺🇦 висвячувати

🇵🇱 wyświęcać

🇯🇵 叙任する (じょにんする)

🇫🇷 ordonner

🇪🇸 ordenar

🇹🇷 takdis etmek

🇰🇷 성임하다

🇸🇦 يرسم

🇨🇿 ordinovat

🇸🇰 vysvätiť

🇨🇳 授予圣职 (shòuyǔ shèngzhí)

🇸🇮 posvetiti

🇮🇸 vígja

🇰🇿 қасиеттеу

🇬🇪 საკურთხი

🇦🇿 təyin etmək

🇲🇽 ordenar

Word origin

The word 'ordain' originated from the Latin word 'ordinare', meaning 'to appoint or order'. It entered the English language in the 13th century through Old French. Initially used in religious contexts, it later expanded to include the idea of authoritatively decreeing or predetermining. The concept of ordination has played a significant role in various religious traditions throughout history, symbolizing the formal recognition and authorization of individuals for specific roles or duties.