cleric
/'klə:dʤimən/ Cách viết khác : (cleric) /'klerik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A cleric is a person who is a member of the clergy or holds a religious office. This term refers to individuals formally recognized and ordained for religious duties, such as priests, ministers, rabbis, imams, or monks.
Usage
The word "cleric" is a formal term used to describe a religious leader or official. It is often used in general, academic, or journalistic contexts to refer to such figures without specifying a particular faith or denomination. - It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a cleric, several clerics). - It is typically neutral but carries a formal tone.
Examples
- The cleric delivered a powerful sermon to the congregation.
- Local clerics from different faiths attended the interfaith dialogue.
- She sought advice from a senior cleric in her community.
- The government consulted with religious clerics on the new policy.
Advanced Usage
- As a modifier: While primarily a noun, "cleric" can sometimes function attributively to describe things related to clergy.
- He wore traditional cleric attire. (This describes attire typical of a cleric.)
- In historical or fantasy contexts: The term is commonly used in discussions of medieval history or in fantasy literature/games to denote a priestly character with religious authority or magical abilities based on faith.
- The paladin consulted the cleric for healing and divine guidance.
Variants and Related Words
- Clergy (noun, collective): The body of all people ordained for religious duties.
- The clergy attended the conference.
- Clerical (adjective): Relating to the work or role of a cleric or the clergy.
- He has clerical duties at the cathedral.
- Clergyman/Clergywoman (noun): Specific gendered terms for a male or female member of the clergy. ("Cleric" is often preferred as a gender-neutral term.)
Synonyms
- Clergyman/Clergywoman: A more specific, gendered synonym.
- Ecclesiastic: A formal synonym, often used in historical or official Christian contexts.
- Minister: A common term in many Protestant Christian traditions.
- Priest: A common term in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions.
- Divine: A somewhat archaic or literary term for a theologian or cleric.
Antonyms
- Layperson: A person who is not ordained or not a member of the clergy.
- Secularist: A person who advocates the separation of religion from civic affairs.
Phrases and Collocations
- Senior cleric: A cleric holding a high rank or position of authority.
- The decision was announced by a senior cleric.
- Muslim/Christian/Jewish cleric: A cleric belonging to a specified religious tradition.
- A prominent Muslim cleric issued a statement.
- To ordain as a cleric: The formal process of appointing someone to a clerical position.
- He was ordained as a cleric last year.
Noun
- a clergyman or other person in religious orders