ordained
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɔːrˈdeɪnd/
KK: /ɔrˈdeɪnd/
adjective
Definition
Having been officially appointed or recognized, especially in a religious context.
Example
He was ordained as a minister after completing his theological studies.
Conversation
Did you hear that Sarah got ordained last weekend?
No way! That's amazing for her!
Yeah, she's always wanted to be a minister.
She'll be great at it — her passion really shows.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
appointed
designated
sanctioned
Antonyms
unordained
unauthorized
disqualified
verb
Definition
To officially establish or appoint someone to a position, especially in a religious context.
Example
He was ordained as a priest after completing his studies.
Tense Forms
Past: ordained
Past Participle: ordained
Conversation
Did you hear that Mark got ordained last weekend?
Really? That’s such a big step for him!
Yeah, he seems really excited about it.
Root Explanation
Ordained → It is formed from "ordinare" (meaning to arrange or set in order) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a completed action). The word "ordained" means to have been arranged or set in a position, often in a religious context, such as being appointed to a clerical office.
Memory Tip
Think of someone being 'arranged' or 'set in order' for a specific role, especially in a religious setting, to remember that 'ordained' means having been appointed or established.
Visually Confused Words
unordained
disordained
trained
sordine
ravined
ordines
ordinee
moraine