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prelate

prelate

12 9.1
A senior church leader who has authority over other clergy
  • noun
  • /ˈprɛlɪt/
  • Jargon
translation icon : prelado
  • Could good persons be separated from wicked ones here below, right now, by competent church prelates?
  • prelates and priests
  • princes and prelates
  • Catholic prelates

Examples

  • Unlike his colleagues, this prelate had already clearly spoken out in favor of the state government.

    Academic text (1990)
  • An agreement was made with this prelate, which was later (in 1923) ratified by Rome.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Sometimes he seemed more like a Catholic prelate, a man of importance in Holy See politics.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • In the meantime, the prelate was also active on another front: in Rome.

    Academic text (1990)
  • For once, he saw the prelate completely taken aback.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • When this committee failed to reach a clear verdict, the prelate again redirected his efforts.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Due to their advanced ages, both prelates entrusted the administration of their dioceses to their archdeacons in their final years.

    Academic text (2018)
  • To some theologians and prelates, Christ was to be encountered most powerfully in his unseen eucharistic presence at Mass.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The prelate addressed the congregation with a powerful message about compassion and unity.

  • As a respected prelate, he played a key role in the church's decision-making process.

Synonyms

bishop
vsprelate
210 3.9

A senior church leader who supervises priests in a group of local churches

is a general name for any high-ranking clergy member with jurisdiction
general
vsprelate
  • Formal
132 8.9

The leader of a religious order who looks after many communities

is a broader name for any high church leader with administrative authority
cardinal
vsprelate
50 8.4

A senior Catholic Church official who advises the Pope and votes for new Popes

is a broader name for senior clergy with authority not only this specific office
archbishop
vsprelate
31 7.2

A senior bishop who leads a large church area in some Christian churches

covers high-ranking clergy generally rather than this specific regional role
pontiff
vsprelate
17 8.2

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church

is a general label for high clergy members not only the supreme office holder
high priest
vsprelate
15 7.2

A senior religious leader who leads important ceremonies for a religion

is a broader church term for high clergy with jurisdiction not only ritual leadership
primate
vsprelate
  • Formal
6 9.8

A senior bishop who is in charge of other bishops in a country or region

is broader meaning any senior clergy with jurisdiction not only this national office
Bishop of Rome
vsprelate
2 6.0

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church

represents the highest example of high-ranking clergy rather than the general rank
dean
vsprelate
  • Formal
2 7.6

The senior cardinal who leads the College of Cardinals and its ceremonies

is a general term for any high-ranking clergy not only this ceremonial head
archdeacon
vsprelate
1 9.9

A senior Christian church leader under a bishop who manages part of a church district

is the general term for high clergy with jurisdiction not only this subordinate office
hierarch
vsprelate
1 9.9

A person who has a high position in a church or other group

is specifically a church high-ranking member with jurisdiction not any organizational leader
archpriest
vsprelate
1 9.6

A senior church leader in charge of several churches or a cathedral

is a broader name for high clergy with oversight not only this priestly role
domestic prelate
vsprelate
  • Archaic
9.9

A priest given an honorary role in the Pope's household with special rights

is the broader term for any high clergy with jurisdiction not only honorary titles
pontificator
vsprelate
  • Specialized
9.9

A bishop who leads a serious church ceremony

is the general label for high clergy not limited to ceremonial leadership roles
prothonotary
vsprelate
  • Formal
9.9

A senior church official who helps prepare important documents for the pope

is the general term for clergy with jurisdiction not just administrative or honorary officials

Compounds

9.9

A priest given an honorary role in the Pope's household with special rights

Surface Forms

prelate singular
prelates plural

Etymology

Prelate comes from Latin words that mean 'carried before' — the parts are prae- ('before') and ferre ('to carry'). The prae- part is the same idea as in prefer, which helps you remember a prelate was placed 'before' others. That's why a prelate today is a high church leader who has power over other church people.