ecclesiastic
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪˈkliːziˌæstɪk/
KK: /ɪˈklizɪˌæstɪk/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the Christian church or its clergy.
Example
The ecclesiastic authority made a decision regarding the new church policies.
Conversation
Did you see the ecclesiastic art in the church yesterday?
Yeah, it was really beautiful and detailed!
I love how they incorporate so much history into the designs.
Absolutely, it really makes you appreciate the ecclesiastic traditions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
clerical
religious
sacred
Antonyms
secular
worldly
profane
noun
Definition
A member of the clergy or a religious leader, often involved in church activities and services.
Example
The ecclesiastic delivered a powerful sermon during the Sunday service.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new ecclesiastic who just joined our community?
Yeah, I heard he's really passionate about his work.
I think it's great to have a young ecclesiastic around to connect with the youth.
Root Explanation
Ecclesiastic is derived from 'ecclesiasticus' (from Greek 'ekklēsiastikos', meaning of or pertaining to the church) and the suffix '-ic' (meaning relating to). The word refers to something that is related to the church or clergy.
Memory Tip
Think of the Greek word for church ('ekklēsia') to remember that 'ecclesiastic' relates to the church or its members.
Visually Confused Words
misecclesiastic
unecclesiastical
archecclesiastic
antiecclesiastic
proecclesiastical
panecclesiastical
nonecclesiastical
antiecclesiastical