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Glite Dictionary
pontifex

pontifex

1 9.9
A member of the main group of priests in ancient Rome who leads public religious ceremonies
  • noun
  • /ˈpɒntɪfɛks/
  • Literature
: pontífice
  • As a pontifex, he had the responsibility of maintaining the relationship between the gods and the people.
  • Pontifex Maximus

Antoninus Augustus, victorious in Armenia, Parthia, and Germania, Pontifex Maximus Pater Patriai was cold.

Examples

  • In ancient Rome, the role of a pontifex included overseeing religious ceremonies and conducting rituals.

  • Since then, the pope has become the pontifex maximus.

    Blog text (34)

  • And I, Gaius Julius Caesar, consul of the Roman Senate, Pontifex Maximus.

    Cleopatra (1963)

  • The pope has other titles: Servus Servorum Dei (Servant of the Servants of God), Pontifex Maximus (Supreme Pontiff), Successor Petri (Successor of Peter).

    Blog text (30)

  • The title of pontifex was significant in Roman society, symbolizing authority in spiritual matters.

Surface Forms

pontifex singular
pontifices plural

Etymology

The word pontifex comes from Latin parts pons 'bridge' and facere 'to make', so it means 'bridge-maker'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of a pontifex as a priest who 'builds a bridge' between the people and the gods.