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Priest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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priest

[priːst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious

A priest is a person, typically a man, who has been ordained to perform sacred rituals and administer religious rites, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and a deity or deities.

Synonyms

clergyman, minister, pastor.

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Word Description / Examples
priest

Used mainly in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions. A priest is often seen as a mediator between God and people, leading rituals such as mass and administering sacraments.

  • The priest delivered a moving sermon during Sunday mass.
  • Father John is a respected priest in our community.
clergyman

A more general term that can refer to any male member of the clergy, including priests, ministers, and pastors. It doesn't specify a particular Christian denomination.

  • The clergyman was invited to lead the opening prayer at the event.
  • She sought advice from a clergyman when facing a moral dilemma.
minister

Commonly used in Protestant denominations. A minister often refers to someone who is authorized to conduct religious services and provides pastoral care to the congregation.

  • Reverend Smith is the minister of the local Methodist church.
  • The minister officiated at their wedding ceremony.
pastor

Typically used within Protestant (particularly Evangelical) and some non-denominational Christian churches. A pastor focuses on shepherding the congregation, preaching, and providing spiritual guidance.

  • The pastor gave an inspiring sermon on forgiveness.
  • Pastor Rachel organizes community outreach programs every month.

Examples of usage

  • He was ordained as a priest in the Catholic Church.
  • The priest led the congregation in prayer.
Context #2 | Noun

Christianity

In Christianity, a priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of the church, especially the celebration of the Eucharist.

Synonyms

cleric, father, parson.

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Word Description / Examples
priest

Common term referring to a religious leader who performs ceremonies in Christian churches, typically used in a formal or respectful context.

  • The priest delivered a heartfelt sermon on Sunday.
  • She approached the priest for advice.
cleric

General term for a religious leader in various faiths, including Christianity and Islam, often used in more formal or academic contexts.

  • The cleric explained the significance of the holy scripture.
  • He interviewed a cleric for his research on religious practices.
parson

Old-fashioned or less common term for a Protestant minister, typically found in historical or literary contexts.

  • The parson visited each family in the village.
  • She read a novel where the parson was a central character.
father

Term of address for a Catholic priest, often used in dialogue or when speaking directly to or about with respect.

  • Father John will be leading the service today.
  • Can I speak with Father about the church event?

Examples of usage

  • The priest presided over the Sunday service.
  • She confessed her sins to the priest.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A priest is sometimes used informally to refer to a person who is highly skilled or knowledgeable in a particular field.

Synonyms

expert, guru, specialist.

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Word Description / Examples
priest

Refers to a religious leader or clergy member in various religious traditions.

  • The priest led the community in prayer
  • She sought advice from the priest during a difficult time
expert

A person who is highly knowledgeable or skilled in a particular area, often in a professional context.

  • The expert gave a detailed presentation on climate change
  • He consulted an expert to get the best investment advice
specialist

Indicates a person who focuses on a specific field within a profession, often used in medical or technical fields.

  • He visited a heart specialist for his health issues
  • The company hired a cybersecurity specialist to enhance their protection
guru

Used to describe a person with great knowledge or skill in a particular area, often used informally and can sometimes carry a negative connotation if the person is seen as self-important.

  • She is a fitness guru with thousands of followers online
  • The tech guru helped the start-up navigate its early challenges

Examples of usage

  • He's a priest when it comes to fixing cars.
  • She's the priest of the marketing team.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'priest' comes from the Latin word 'presbyter,' which means elder, reflecting the leader's role in early Christian communities.
  • In ancient times, priests were responsible for performing rituals and sacrifices to please gods in various cultures, including Egyptian and Greek.
  • Throughout history, different religions have created unique titles for their religious leaders, such as 'rabbi' in Judaism and 'imam' in Islam.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, priests are seen as intermediaries between the divine and the congregation, providing spiritual guidance and support.
  • Some indigenous tribes have shamans or spiritual leaders who perform rituals and healing, similar to the role of priests in organized religions.
  • Contemporary discussions around priests often involve topics like celibacy, gender roles, and the modernization of religious practices.

Psychology

  • Studies show that having a spiritual leader can provide emotional support and improve mental well-being among followers.
  • Religious ceremonies led by priests often encourage community bonding and shared emotional experiences, promoting a sense of belonging.
  • Priests can play crucial roles in crisis situations, such as conducting rituals for bereaved families, helping to process grief.

Literature

  • Literature often portrays priests as moral guides or figures of conflict, exploring themes of faith, redemption, and hypocrisy.
  • Famous works like 'The Scarlet Letter' feature priests in moral dilemmas and the struggles between personal beliefs and public duties.
  • Poets like John Donne have celebrated the role of priests in connecting humanity with the divine through their powerful sermons and prayers.

Pop Culture

  • Priests are frequently depicted in movies and TV shows as wise mentors, intriguing antagonists, or characters facing ethical dilemmas.
  • Films like 'The Exorcist' prominently feature priests, emphasizing their roles in spiritual battles against evil forces.
  • The portrayal of priests in contemporary media often examines their humanity, addressing issues of faith, ethics, and personal struggles.

Origin of 'priest'

The word 'priest' originated from the Old English word 'preost', which in turn came from the Latin word 'presbyter', meaning 'elder'. The role of a priest has been significant in various religions throughout history, serving as a spiritual leader and intermediary between humans and the divine. Priests play a crucial role in performing religious ceremonies, offering guidance to their congregations, and upholding the teachings of their faith.

See also: priesthood, priestly, priests.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,431, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.