Pontifical
adjective
Relating to the pope or the papacy.
The pontifical views were well regarded by the followers.
Often appears as...
- pontifical council
- pontifical decree
Usage tips
Formal
Religious
adjective
Characterized by a pompous and superior air.
His pontifical manner was off-putting to many.
Often appears as...
- pontifical manner
- pontifical tone
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A book containing the prayers and rites used by a bishop.
The bishop carried his pontifical to the ceremony.
Often appears as...
- bishop's pontifical
- pontifical at ceremony
Usage tips
Formal
Religious
adjective
Relating to the pope or the papacy.
The pontifical views were well regarded by the followers.
Often appears as...
- pontifical council
- pontifical decree
Usage tips
Formal
Religious
adjective
Characterized by a pompous and superior air.
His pontifical manner was off-putting to many.
Often appears as...
- pontifical manner
- pontifical tone
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A book containing the prayers and rites used by a bishop.
The bishop carried his pontifical to the ceremony.
Often appears as...
- bishop's pontifical
- pontifical at ceremony
Usage tips
Formal
Religious
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Religious Institutions
Use 'pontifical' when discussing entities, like universities, governed by the papacy.
He attended a pontifical university in Rome.
Pro Tip 2/3Catholic Context
Often used within Catholic Church discussions; not used for other Christian denominations.
The pontifical mass took place at the cathedral.
Pro Tip 3/3Formal Style
A formal word that is suitable for academic or serious religious conversations.
The seminar discussed the pontifical stance on moral issues.
Pro Tip 1/3Religious Institutions
Use 'pontifical' when discussing entities, like universities, governed by the papacy.
He attended a pontifical university in Rome.
Pro Tip 2/3Catholic Context
Often used within Catholic Church discussions; not used for other Christian denominations.
The pontifical mass took place at the cathedral.
Pro Tip 3/3Formal Style
A formal word that is suitable for academic or serious religious conversations.
The seminar discussed the pontifical stance on moral issues.
Pro Tip 1/3Religious Institutions
Use 'pontifical' when discussing entities, like universities, governed by the papacy.
He attended a pontifical university in Rome.
Pro Tip 2/3Catholic Context
Often used within Catholic Church discussions; not used for other Christian denominations.
The pontifical mass took place at the cathedral.
Pro Tip 3/3Formal Style
A formal word that is suitable for academic or serious religious conversations.
The seminar discussed the pontifical stance on moral issues.
Compare with
authoritativebombasticdogmaticgrandioseofficiousostentatiouspapalpretentious
Never forget "Pontifical"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Quote examples
Walter Cronkite
American Journalist
I record it here today to establish my early predisposition to editorial work - to be both pontifical and wrong.
Quote examples
Walter Cronkite
American Journalist
I record it here today to establish my early predisposition to editorial work - to be both pontifical and wrong.
Example 1 of 1
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension