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Sacerdotal: meaning, definitions and examples

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sacerdotal

 

[ sæˈsɜr.də.təl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

religious authority

Sacerdotal refers to anything related to the priesthood or the functions and duties of a priest. It often describes aspects of religious practice that involve mediation between the divine and human. This term is frequently used in discussions of religion to denote the role or status of priests within a given faith.

Synonyms

clerical, ecclesiastical, ministerial, priestly

Examples of usage

  • The sacerdotal duties of the bishop were evident during the ceremony.
  • In many religions, there is a distinct sacerdotal class responsible for conducting rituals.
  • The sacerdotal vestments worn during the mass signify the priest's role.
  • Critics argue that the sacerdotal system can create a separation between the faithful and the divine.

Translations

Translations of the word "sacerdotal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sacerdotal

🇮🇳 पुरोहितीय

🇩🇪 priesterlich

🇮🇩 sacerdotal

🇺🇦 священицький

🇵🇱 kapłański

🇯🇵 司祭の

🇫🇷 sacerdotal

🇪🇸 sacerdotal

🇹🇷 rahiplik

🇰🇷 성직자의

🇸🇦 كهنوتي

🇨🇿 kněžský

🇸🇰 kňazský

🇨🇳 祭司的

🇸🇮 duhovniški

🇮🇸 prestur

🇰🇿 абыздық

🇬🇪 მღვდელმსახურების

🇦🇿 kahin

🇲🇽 sacerdotal

Etymology

The term 'sacerdotal' originates from the Latin word 'sacerdotalis', which means 'pertaining to a priest'. This word itself comes from 'sacerdos', meaning 'priest', derived from 'sacer', meaning 'sacred' or 'holy'. The concept of priesthood has ancient roots going back to various early religions where priests were seen as intermediaries between the gods and the people. As organized religions developed, the role of priests became more defined, leading to the emergence of sacerdotal systems where specific individuals were endowed with the authority to perform sacred rites. Over the centuries, the word 'sacerdotal' has found its place in theological discussions to describe not only the role of priests but also the broader implications of priesthood in governing spiritual practices and community relations. Its usage has been particularly prominent in the context of Christianity, where the sacramental role of priests remains a central element of faith and worship.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,147, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.