ecclesiastic
/ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪk/
NOUN
1. A member of the clergy
A person ordained or officially appointed to perform religious duties in a church.
1.1. Christian religious minister
A person who serves as an ordained minister or religious official in a Christian church.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The ecclesiastic devoted his life to serving the local congregation.
- An experienced ecclesiastic was invited to lead the religious ceremony.
Related Words
1.2. Senior church official
A high-ranking religious leader who holds an important position of authority within a church hierarchy.
Synonyms
Examples
- The ecclesiastic addressed the assembly during the annual church gathering.
- The senior ecclesiastic oversaw important decisions concerning church administration.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
2. Relating to the church
Of or pertaining to a church, its institutions, clergy, doctrines, or religious practices.
2.1. Church institutions and authority
Describing matters connected with the organization, governance, hierarchy, or official authority of a church.
Synonyms
- ecclesiastical
- ecclesial
- churchly
- clerical
- canonical
- episcopal
Antonyms
Examples
- The ecclesiastic hierarchy oversees the administration of religious affairs within the denomination.
- The ecclesiastic council convened to address matters of doctrine and discipline within the church.
Related Words
- diocesan
- papal
- patriarchal
- pontifical
2.2. Clergy and religious ministry
Describing roles, responsibilities, clothing, or activities associated with ordained ministers and church leadership.
Synonyms
- clerical
- ministerial
- pastoral
- priestly
- sacerdotal
Antonyms
Examples
- The ecclesiastic robes worn by the clergy symbolize their dedication to serving their faith community.
- The institution introduced new ecclesiastic training programs for its future ministers.
Related Words
- apostolic
- evangelical
- rabbinic
- rabbinical
2.3. Religious and sacred matters
Describing something associated with religious worship, sacred traditions, church teachings, or spiritual practices.
Synonyms
- religious
- sacred
- holy
- hallowed
- consecrated
- sanctified
- sacramental
Antonyms
- profane
- secular
- nonsectarian
Examples
- The ecclesiastic scholar dedicated his life to studying the history and theology of the church.
- The ceremony followed traditional ecclesiastic practices that had been preserved for generations.
Related Words
- evangelical
- apostolic
- divine
- sacrosanct