Definition

The area or region that is governed by a catholicos, which is a high-ranking bishop in certain Christian churches.

Example

The catholicate of Armenia has a rich history and cultural significance.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the catholicate of Ethiopia?

No, I haven't. What's that about?

It's the area governed by a leader known as a catholicos, similar to a bishop.

Oh, that's interesting! I didn't know there were such distinctions in leadership.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Catholicate is derived from "catholicus" (from Greek "katholikos", meaning universal) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating a state or condition). The term refers to the office or jurisdiction of a Catholic bishop, emphasizing the universal nature of the church's authority.

Memory Tip

Think of 'universal' ('catholicus') to remember that 'catholicate' refers to the state of being part of the universal church.

Visually Confused Words