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presbytery

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈprɛzbɪtəri/

KK: /ˈprɛzbɪtəri/

noun
Definition

A group of church leaders in the Presbyterian Church, including ministers and elders, who govern a specific area or church.


Example

The presbytery met to discuss the upcoming church events and community outreach programs.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever been to a meeting at the presbytery?
Sloth B
No, I haven't, but I've heard they discuss a lot of important topics there.
Sloth A
Yeah, I was surprised by how much influence the presbytery has on local churches.
Sloth B
Definitely, it's interesting to see how they work together to make decisions.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
session
synod
council
Antonyms
laity
congregation
diocese
Root Explanation

Presbytery → It is formed from "presbyter" (from Greek "presbyteros", meaning elder or priest) and the suffix "-ery" (meaning a place or condition). The word "presbytery" refers to the body of elders or the governing body of a church, particularly in Presbyterian denominations.

Memory Tip

Think of 'elders' ('presbyter') who are part of a 'place' or 'condition' ('-ery') of leadership in a church. This helps you remember that a presbytery is a governing body of elders.

Visually Confused Words
copresbyter
priestery
archpresbytery
nonpresbyter
compresbyter
protopresbytery
premastery
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