Pontificial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pontificial

[ˌpɒntɪˈfɪʃ(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

religion

Relating to a pope or to the papacy.

Synonyms

papal, pontifical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pontificial	This word is rarely used and may be considered somewhat archaic. It relates to or is characteristic of a pontiff, especially the Pope, but its usage is uncommon in modern language. The pontificial duties of the high priest included overseeing religious ceremonies.
papal	This term is frequently used when specifically referring to the Pope or the authority of the Pope within the Roman Catholic Church. The papal decree was issued to address the issue of clerical misconduct. The papal visit attracted thousands of spectators.
pontifical	This adjective is used to describe something related to a pope or bishop, but it can also have a negative connotation when used to describe someone who is self-important or pompous. The bishop’s pontifical garments were adorned with intricate embroidery. His pontifical attitude made him unpopular among his colleagues.

Word

Description / Examples

pontificial

This word is rarely used and may be considered somewhat archaic. It relates to or is characteristic of a pontiff, especially the Pope, but its usage is uncommon in modern language.

The pontificial duties of the high priest included overseeing religious ceremonies.

papal

This term is frequently used when specifically referring to the Pope or the authority of the Pope within the Roman Catholic Church.

The papal decree was issued to address the issue of clerical misconduct.
The papal visit attracted thousands of spectators.

pontifical

This adjective is used to describe something related to a pope or bishop, but it can also have a negative connotation when used to describe someone who is self-important or pompous.

The bishop’s pontifical garments were adorned with intricate embroidery.
His pontifical attitude made him unpopular among his colleagues.

Examples of usage

The pontifical blessing was bestowed upon the crowd by the Pope.
The pontifical attire worn by the bishop was elaborate and impressive.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

religion

A book containing the forms for the sacraments and other rites of the Roman Catholic Church.

Synonyms

ceremonial book, ritual book.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pontificial	This seems to be a repetition or incorrect form of 'pontifical' or 'pontifical'. Please verify the correct word.
ritual book	A book that lists the specific rites and practices of a religion, often used to ensure proper performance of religious rituals. The monk consulted the ritual book before conducting the prayer service Their sacred rituals are all outlined in an ancient ritual book
ceremonial book	A book that contains the rituals and ceremonies of a particular religion or organization, used during formal events. She read from the ceremonial book during the wedding ceremony The priest carefully followed the instructions in the ceremonial book

Word

Description / Examples

pontificial

This seems to be a repetition or incorrect form of 'pontifical' or 'pontifical'. Please verify the correct word.

ritual book

A book that lists the specific rites and practices of a religion, often used to ensure proper performance of religious rituals.

The monk consulted the ritual book before conducting the prayer service
Their sacred rituals are all outlined in an ancient ritual book

ceremonial book

A book that contains the rituals and ceremonies of a particular religion or organization, used during formal events.

She read from the ceremonial book during the wedding ceremony
The priest carefully followed the instructions in the ceremonial book

Examples of usage

The priest used the pontifical to perform the baptism ceremony.
The pontifical contains the prayers and rituals for various church ceremonies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'pontificial'

The word 'pontifical' originated from the Latin word 'pontificalis', which means 'pertaining to a pontiff or bishop'. It has been used in English since the 1400s to describe things related to the Pope or the Roman Catholic Church. The term 'pontifical' is often associated with the elaborate rituals and ceremonies of the Catholic Church.