intercessional
Definition
Intercessional is an adjective that describes something related to or characterized by intercession, which is the act of intervening on behalf of another person, especially through prayer, mediation, or advocacy.
Usage Examples
- (A prayer made on behalf of others.)
- (Her act of mediating between opposing sides.)
- (A religious service focused on praying for others.)
Advanced Usage
"Intercessional prayer": a type of prayer where one person prays to God for the needs of another.
- Many believers consider intercessional prayer a vital part of their spiritual practice. (Prayer offered for others' benefit.)
"Intercessional diplomacy": the act of mediating or intervening in international disputes.
- The ambassador's intercessional efforts prevented a military escalation. (His mediation helped avoid war.)
Variants and Related Words
Intercession (noun): the act of intervening or mediating on behalf of another.
- Her intercession saved the child from punishment. (Her intervention helped the child.)
Intercessor (noun): a person who intercedes; a mediator or advocate.
- He acted as an intercessor between the two feuding families. (He mediated the dispute.)
Intercessory (adjective): having the purpose or function of interceding.
- The intercessory committee meets monthly to discuss community needs. (The group focuses on advocacy.)
Synonyms
- Mediatorial: relating to mediation or acting as a mediator.
- Intervening: coming between parties to resolve a situation.
- Advocatory: of or relating to speaking or pleading on behalf of another.
Related Idioms
"To go to bat for someone": to intercede or defend someone.
- She went to bat for her colleague during the meeting. (She interceded on his behalf.)
"To be a go-between": to act as an intercessor between two parties.
- He served as a go-between for the negotiators. (He mediated their discussions.)