ecclesiastically
- adverb
- /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪkli/
- Formal
- He wishes to defend the view that some doctrines are ecclesiastically normative (infallible).
Examples
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Ecclesiastically homeless, perhaps.
Blog text (21) -
Ecclesiastically, the congregation was guided by strict adherence to the teachings of their faith.
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Ecclesiastically, the law can be referred to as 'the law of Christ' or the law of love.
Academic text (2018) -
We asked them to respect any ecclesiastically privileged information they may have had about us, and not to defame us to the congregation.
Academic text (2010) -
In a tone that means, winter is the time, lady, when neon tubes on cars are supposed to get wrecked, ecclesiastically speaking.
Fiction book (1998) -
We've been seriously contemplating annulling it and taking our vows again ecclesiastically.
Blog text (23) -
The church's decisions are often made ecclesiastically to ensure they align with religious traditions.
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During the ceremony, they were united ecclesiastically, reflecting their commitment to the church.
Synonyms
In a religious way by priests or other religious leaders
In a way suitable for a religious leader like a priest or pastor
Surface Forms
Morphology
ecclesiastically = ecclesiastical (transparent) = ecclesiastical + ly
The adverb is formed by the regular addition of the productive adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'ecclesiastical', yielding the expected meaning 'in a manner relating to the church'.
Etymology
The word ecclesiastically comes from the old Greek word ecclesia, which meant 'assembly' and later came to mean 'church'. So to act ecclesiastically is to act 'in a church way' or like priests and church leaders, which explains its modern meaning.