prelate
PREL-ut
/ˈprelət/
A high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a bishop, abbot, or cardinal.
A broad, formal title for anyone in the upper echelons of the religious hierarchy.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'praelatus', the past participle of 'praeferre', meaning 'to carry before' or 'to place before'. It signifies someone who has been elevated or preferred above others in rank.
Word relationships
- dignitary: Dignitary is a general term for any high-ranking person; prelate is specific to the clergy.
- bishop: A bishop is a specific type of prelate.
Commonly confused with
- priest: A priest is a general term; a prelate is specifically a high-ranking official.
Word family
- prelacy (noun): The office or rank of a prelate.
Collocations
- high prelate
- papal prelate
- prelate of the church
Example sentences
- "The prelate entered the hall, his ornate robes trailing behind him as the crowd fell silent." Describing a formal procession.
- "Powerful prelates often served as advisors to the kings of Europe." Historical political analysis.
Memory hook
A PRELATE is PRE-eminent (high-ranking) in the church. Placed before the rest.
When not to use
Rarely used in modern casual speech; 'bishop' or 'church leader' is more common.
Fun facts
- In the Anglican Church, the term is less common than in the Roman Catholic or Orthodox traditions.
Explore more words
ecclesiastical, clerical, echelon, cathedral, potentate, anticlerical
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