Word
ecclesiastical
Phoneticsec·cle·si·as·ti·cal, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ɪˌkɫiziˈæstɪkəɫ/
UK/ɪklˌiːzɪˈæstɪkəl/
Definition
adj. relating to the Christian church or its priests. You use this word to describe things like church laws, history, or styles of building.
adj. relating to the Christian Church or its clergy. Often used to describe institutional, legal, or architectural aspects of religious organizations.
Examples
“The museum has a large collection of ecclesiastical art.”
“The architect specialized in ecclesiastical design, focusing on the restoration of medieval cathedrals and parish churches.”
“The historian argued that ecclesiastical power in the Middle Ages was not merely spiritual but also functioned as a significant political force across Europe.”
Examples
simple
“The museum has a large collection of ecclesiastical art.”
contextual
“The architect specialized in ecclesiastical design, focusing on the restoration of medieval cathedrals and parish churches.”
complex
“The historian argued that ecclesiastical power in the Middle Ages was not merely spiritual but also functioned as a significant political force across Europe.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun.
Real-World Examples
“The ecclesiastical sculpture in rural Konotopie was consecrated by a local bishop in a ceremony on Saturday, a day chosen to coincide with the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” “Both ecclesiastical and royal power were centered here for many years.” Etymology
From Middle English ecclesiasticall, ecclesiasticalle, from Latin ecclēsiasticus + -al. By surface analysis, ecclesiastic + -al or ecclesiast + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/ecclesiastical