Skip to main content
clerically

clerically

7.7
In a religious way by priests or other religious leaders
  • adverb
  • /ˈklɛrɪkli/
translation icon : eclesiásticamente
  • The priest spoke clerically during the ceremony, ensuring that every word resonated with the congregation.

Examples

  • The new importance attached to the clerically controlled ritual of the host's elevation and visual display at the moment of consecration was designed, at least in part, to reinforce this distinction.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The Virgin's power transcended both gender and class: while Aude's dilemma may have been created and solved in an all-female and lay environment, the clerically educated Bishop Fournier was apparently able both to evoke it and to appreciate it.

    Academic text (2006)
  • During the meeting, she addressed the changes clerically, focusing on the rules and traditions of the church.

  • In her clerically arranged sermon, she outlined the importance of compassion and charity in the community.

Synonyms

pastorally
vsclerically
1 7.3

In a caring way that gives religious support and advice

is broader, referring to official religious style not only care work
ministerially
vsclerically
  • Formal
8.4

In a way suitable for a religious leader like a priest or pastor

is broader, covering institutional or formal religious style
ecclesiastically
vsclerically
  • Formal
9.9

In a way that has to do with the church or its leaders

focuses on manner of religious officials rather than institutional structures

Surface Forms

clerically positive

Morphology

clerically = clerical (transparent) = clerical + ly

Standard adverbial formation from 'clerical' used in its sense 'relating to clergy', so the meaning is predictable.

Etymology

Clerically comes from the word cleric, which means a 'church worker' and is the same root as clergy. So, clerically can mean 'in a priestly or church way'.