St. Polycarp

1 9.9

A Christian bishop from Smyrna who refuses to give up his faith and is burned to death

proper noun

: San Policarpo

Many early Christian writings record the martyrdom of St. Polycarp at Smyrna.

Examples

Churches around the world commemorate St. Polycarp on February 23 each year.
The steadfast faith of St. Polycarp inspired generations of believers throughout history.
St. Polycarp was a courageous leader.
Many people admire St. Polycarp for his unwavering faith.
Churches around the world commemorate St. Polycarp on February 23 each year.
Many early Christian writings record the martyrdom of St. Polycarp at Smyrna.
The steadfast faith of St. Polycarp inspired generations of believers throughout history.

Synonyms

Polycarp

vsSt. Polycarp

1 9.9

A Greek bishop from Smyrna in the second century remembered for dying for his Christian faith

uses the saint title while this form omits it

Saint Polycarp

vsSt. Polycarp

1 9.9

A Greek bishop of Smyrna in the second century who was killed for his Christian faith

uses the abbreviated saint title instead of the full form

Surface Forms

St. Polycarp main

Morphology

St. + Polycarp

The expression is an honorific plus a proper name: 'St.' = saint and 'Polycarp' = a person's name, so a learner who knows both constituents will understand it refers to a saint named Polycarp. Specific biographical information (Greek bishop, martyrdom) is not derivable from the words themselves and requires factual background knowledge, but the core referential meaning is compositionally transparent.

Etymology

St. Polycarp was a Greek bishop of Smyrna (about 69–155 AD) who refused to give up his Christian faith and was killed by burning. Because he chose death rather than leave his beliefs, his name is remembered as a sign of strong faith and courage.