Pontifical: meaning, definitions and examples
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pontifical
[ pɒnˈtɪfɪk(ə)l ]
religious ceremony
Relating to the Pope or papal authority; characterized by a high-sounding ceremonial formality.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The pontifical blessing was bestowed upon the crowd gathered in the square.
- The pontifical vestments were ornate and majestic.
arrogant behavior
Characterized by an arrogant sense of self-importance or superiority.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- His pontifical attitude towards his coworkers alienated many of them.
- She dismissed his pontifical remarks as mere arrogance.
academic setting
Relating to or characteristic of a bishop; pompous or dogmatic in one's manner or opinions.
Synonyms
authoritative, dictatorial, dogmatic
Examples of usage
- The professor's pontifical lectures often left his students feeling belittled.
- Her pontifical demeanor in committee meetings made collaboration difficult.
Translations
Translations of the word "pontifical" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pontifical
🇮🇳 पोंटिफिकल
🇩🇪 päpstlich
🇮🇩 pontifikal
🇺🇦 папський
🇵🇱 papieski
🇯🇵 教皇の
🇫🇷 pontifical
🇪🇸 pontificio
🇹🇷 papa ile ilgili
🇰🇷 교황의
🇸🇦 بابوي
🇨🇿 papežský
🇸🇰 pápežský
🇨🇳 教皇的
🇸🇮 papeški
🇮🇸 páfaglegur
🇰🇿 папалық
🇬🇪 პაპის
🇦🇿 papalıq
🇲🇽 pontificio
Word origin
The word 'pontifical' has its origins in the Latin word 'pontifex', which means 'high priest' or 'bridge-builder'. Initially used in reference to the Pope and papal authority, 'pontifical' has evolved to also describe an arrogant or pompous demeanor. The term is often associated with religious ceremonies and formalities, reflecting a sense of grandeur and authority.