Ordain: meaning, definitions and examples

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ordain

[ɔːrˈdeɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ordain	Used primarily in religious contexts when someone is officially made a priest or minister. It can also imply that something has been destined or decreed in a more general sense. He was ordained as a priest last Sunday. It seemed as if fate had ordained that they should meet.
consecrate	Primarily used in religious contexts to make something holy or to dedicate it to a sacred purpose. This can also be used metaphorically to describe someone dedicating themselves seriously to a particular role or purpose. The bishop will consecrate the new church. He consecrated his life to helping others.
appoint	Commonly used in professional and formal settings when someone is assigned a position or a role. This has a broad application and is not religious in nature. She was appointed as the new CEO. The committee will appoint a new chairperson.
install	Typically used when formally placing someone in an official position, often with a ceremony, but it can also be used for setting up equipment or software. She was installed as the university president yesterday. I need to install the new software on my computer.

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #2 | Verb}

destiny or fate

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

Synonyms

destine, foreordain, predestine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ordain	This word is typically used in a religious context, meaning to officially appoint someone to a clerical position, such as a priest or minister. It can also mean to establish something formally by law or decree. The bishop will ordain three new priests this Sunday. The constitution ordains that all citizens have the right to free speech.
destine	Use this to express that something is meant to happen in the future, often pointing towards fate or a predetermined end. It's often used in a positive or neutral context. She was destined to become a great artist. These events were destined to bring them closer together.
foreordain	This term is used mainly in theological discussions to indicate that certain events or people’s fates have been determined in advance by divine will. It's a more formal and archaic term. They believe that the hero's rise was foreordained. In some faiths, it is thought that each soul's journey is foreordained.
predestine	Similar to 'foreordain,' this word is often used in religious or philosophical discussions to imply that all events are willed by a higher power. Predestination is typically used in the context of Calvinism and other religious doctrines. The concept of predestine is central to many religious teachings. He felt his life was predestined for greatness.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'ordinare,' which means 'to arrange' or 'to put in order.'
In medieval times, to ordain someone usually meant to place them in a position of authority within the church.
It's linked to the concept of 'order,' indicating establishing someone in a structured role.

Cultural Significance

Different religions have their unique rituals and traditions surrounding ordination, emphasizing its cultural importance.
In some communities, only certain family members or people from specific backgrounds can be ordained, reflecting social structures.
Women’s ordination has been a significant topic in many faiths, symbolizing a shift towards gender equality in religious roles.

Historical Context

Throughout history, the practice of ordination has varied widely; for example, early Christianity had a more informal approach to leadership roles.
During the Reformation, various movements challenged traditional ordination practices, leading to the formation of new branches of Christianity.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, many denominations began to open ordination to more diverse groups, including different genders and ethnicities.

Literature

Ordination is a recurring theme in literature, often symbolizing a character's growth or commitment to a cause.
Many novels depict the challenges faced by newly ordained leaders as they navigate their faith and community expectations.
Noted authors like John Milton have explored concepts related to spiritual ordination in their works, reflecting societal views on religious authority.

Philosophical Perspectives

Philosophers have debated the ethical implications of ordination, questioning who bestows authority and for what purpose.
The concept touches on themes of power, responsibility, and community—central to many philosophical discussions around leadership.
Many religious traditions encourage introspection about the responsibilities that come with ordination, making it a philosophical act as much as a ritual one.

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 Frequency Rank

With rank #18,927, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18924 cassava
18925 unobserved
18926 persevering
18927 ordain
18928 faunal
18929 deviated
18930 medially
...