Definition

A religious official who holds a rank just below a deacon and assists in church services.

Example

The subdeacon prepared the altar for the ceremony and read the Epistle during the service.

Conversation

Did you know that my cousin is training to become a subdeacon?

Really? That's interesting! What does a subdeacon do?

They assist the deacon during services and even read the Epistle.

That sounds like a meaningful role in the church!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subdeacon → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under) and "diaconus" (from Latin, meaning servant or minister). The term refers to a cleric who serves under a deacon, thus being in a subordinate position.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is a 'servant' ('diaconus') 'under' ('sub-') another, which helps you remember that a subdeacon is a cleric serving under a deacon.

Visually Confused Words