pontifically
- adverb
- /pɒnˈtɪfɪkli/
- Formal
:
de forma pontificia
- The bishop spoke pontifically during the ceremony.
Examples
-
The priest spoke pontifically during the important ceremony, impressing everyone with his solemn tone.
-
The official delivered the announcement pontifically, following every traditional protocol.
-
She entered the hall pontifically, as if she were presiding over a grand event.
-
She delivered her speech pontifically to emphasize its importance.
-
The official delivered the announcement pontifically, following every traditional protocol.
-
The priest spoke pontifically during the important ceremony, impressing everyone with his solemn tone.
-
She entered the hall pontifically, as if she were presiding over a grand event.
Synonyms
3
6.6
In a formal way that follows a ritual or custom
3
6.4
In a way people do during a ceremony or tradition
2
4.6
In a formal way during a ceremony
1
9.1
In a way like a religious ceremony that shows deep respect
1
7.9
Following the set words and actions of a religious service
In a way suitable for a religious leader like a priest or pastor
In a religious way by priests or other religious leaders
In a way that has to do with the church or its leaders
Antonyms
How Formal
- Formal
- Formal
2
4.6
- Formal
149
3.7
- Formal
57
4.2
108
1.0
103
2.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
pontifically = pontifical (transparent) = pontiff + ical + ly
Formed from the adjective 'pontifical' with the regular adverbial suffix '-ly'; meaning corresponds to the ecclesiastical/formal sense.
Etymology
Pontifically comes from pontiff (the title for the pope) and from Latin pontifex, which means 'bridge-maker' from pons 'bridge'. A helpful image is a leader standing between people and God, so to act pontifically is to behave in a very formal, ceremonial way.