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Padre: meaning, definitions and examples

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padre

 

[ ˈpædreɪ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious title

The term 'padre' is commonly used to refer to a priest in the Catholic Church, especially in Spanish-speaking countries. It denotes a person who is responsible for supervising religious activities and guiding the spiritual lives of their congregation. In addition to its ecclesiastical use, 'padre' can also be used informally to mean 'father' in various contexts. The term evokes a sense of respect and authority within a spiritual framework.

Synonyms

clergyman, father, minister, priest

Examples of usage

  • The padre led the mass with great devotion.
  • Many families turn to their local padre for spiritual advice.
  • The children approached the padre with their questions about faith.

Translations

Translations of the word "padre" in other languages:

🇵🇹 батько

🇮🇳 पिता

🇩🇪 Vater

🇮🇩 ayah

🇺🇦 батько

🇵🇱 ojciec

🇯🇵 父 (ちち)

🇫🇷 père

🇪🇸 padre

🇹🇷 baba

🇰🇷 아버지 (abeoji)

🇸🇦 أب (ab)

🇨🇿 otec

🇸🇰 otec

🇨🇳 父亲 (fùqīn)

🇸🇮 oče

🇮🇸 faðir

🇰🇿 әке

🇬🇪 მამა (mama)

🇦🇿 ata

🇲🇽 padre

Word origin

The word 'padre' originates from the Latin word 'pater,' which means 'father.' Its evolution into the Spanish and Italian languages reflects the deep-rooted connection between paternal figures and religious leaders. In the context of Christianity, particularly within the Catholic Church, the role of the padre has been imbued with significant authority and influence. The use of 'padre' as a title for priests became more widespread as the influence of the Catholic Church grew throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Over time, the term has also been adopted in various military contexts, particularly in the U.S. Armed Forces, where it is used to refer to chaplains. This reflects the broader use of the term in contexts that evoke a sense of guidance and mentorship.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,775, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.