View synonyms for

pontiff

[ pon-tif ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any pontifex.
any high or chief priest.
Ecclesiastical.
1. a bishop.
2. the Roman Catholic pope, the Bishop of Rome.

pontiff

/ ˈ��ɒ�Գ�ɪ�� /

noun

a former title of the pagan high priest at Rome, later used of popes and occasionally of other bishops, and now confined exclusively to the pope

pontiff

Another name for the pope . Pontiff comes from a Latin word, meaning “bridge builder,” that was used as a title for some of the priests of ancient Rome .

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Word History and Origins

Origin of pontiff¹

1600–10; earlier pontife < French, short for Latin pontifex pontifex

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Word History and Origins

Origin of pontiff¹

C17: from French pontife, from Latin pontifex

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Prof Bellitto said the process of electing a new pontiff became an "Italian monopoly" for many years.

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But it was one the South American pontiff had a long-held affinity for.

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The first South American pontiff passed away on Monday aged 88, marking the end of a 12-year pontificate.

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On Thursday the first minister, who described the pontiff as "a man who was always on the side of the poor", confirmed he would attend the service.

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Israel is also sending a relatively low-level delegation to the late pontiff's funeral on Saturday, with only the country's Vatican ambassador in attendance.

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Related Words

pope

pontifex pontific

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