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Priests: meaning, definitions and examples

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priests

 

[ priːsts ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious

A priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious ceremonies and lead worship services.

Synonyms

clergyman, cleric, minister.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clergyman

A general term for any male member of the clergy. It is a more formal word that can apply to different Christian denominations.

  • The clergyman delivered a powerful sermon
  • As a clergyman, he is often called upon for community support
minister

Commonly used in Protestant denominations to refer to a person authorized to conduct religious services. It can also refer to a government official in a secular context.

  • The minister will be speaking at this Sunday's service
  • The new education minister introduced a range of reforms
cleric

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for a member of the clergy, applicable to various religions, including Islam and Christianity.

  • The cleric offered spiritual guidance to the followers
  • A respected cleric attended the interfaith meeting

Examples of usage

  • He was ordained as a Catholic priest.
  • The priest blessed the newlyweds.
  • She sought advice from the local priest.
Context #2 | Noun

Christianity

In Christianity, a priest is a religious leader authorized to perform sacred rituals, administer sacraments, and provide spiritual guidance to the community.

Synonyms

parson, pastor, reverend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
priests

Commonly used in the context of Christian denominations, particularly within the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches. It refers to ordained ministers who perform religious rites and provide spiritual guidance.

  • The priests were gathered in the church for the morning mass
  • The village priest is known for his wisdom and kindness
pastor

Typically used in Protestant Christian settings, a pastor is a spiritual leader or minister who oversees a church congregation. The term emphasizes the pastoral care and guidance given to the community.

  • The pastor delivered an inspiring sermon last Sunday
  • Pastor Jane has been a pillar of support for the church community
parson

This term is somewhat archaic and more commonly found in historical or literary contexts. It refers to a member of the clergy, often seen in rural or small-town settings, traditionally within Anglican or other Protestant churches.

  • The old parson of the village was well-respected by all the locals
  • In the classic novel, the parson played a crucial role in the moral upbringing of the characters
reverend

A formal title used to address or refer to members of the clergy across various Christian denominations, particularly Protestant. It can also be used as an adjective before a clergy member's name.

  • Reverend Smith will be officiating the wedding
  • The reverend spoke eloquently about the importance of unity and compassion

Examples of usage

  • The priest presided over the Mass.
  • The priest administered the last rites.
  • The priest offered prayers for the congregation.

Translations

Translations of the word "priests" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sacerdotes

🇮🇳 पुजारी

🇩🇪 Priester

🇮🇩 pendeta

🇺🇦 священики

🇵🇱 księża

🇯🇵 司祭

🇫🇷 prêtres

🇪🇸 sacerdotes

🇹🇷 rahipler

🇰🇷 사제

🇸🇦 كهنة

🇨🇿 kněží

🇸🇰 kňazi

🇨🇳 牧师

🇸🇮 duhovniki

🇮🇸 prestar

🇰🇿 дін қызметкерлері

🇬🇪 მღვდლები

🇦🇿 kahinlər

🇲🇽 sacerdotes

Etymology

The word 'priest' originated from the Old English word 'preost', which itself came from the Latin word 'presbyter' meaning elder or senior. The concept of priests as religious leaders dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, where they played a central role in religious ceremonies and rituals.

See also: priest, priesthood, priestly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,269, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.