ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ordination

n. C / U
C2 Proficiency US //ˌɔɹdəˈneɪʃən// UK //ˌɔːdɪnˈeɪʃən// or·di·na·tion

n. the official ceremony where someone becomes a priest or religious leader. It marks the moment they are given the power to perform holy duties.

n. the act or ceremony of conferring holy orders upon a person, thereby admitting them to the Christian ministry or a similar religious office.


SIMPLE

The family traveled across the country to attend his ordination.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of theological study and pastoral training, she finally reached her ordination as a deacon.

COMPLEX

The cathedral was filled to capacity for the ordination of the new bishops, a solemn event marked by traditional hymns and the laying on of hands.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French ordination, from Old French ordinacion, from Latin ordinatio.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the abstract process or status; countable when referring to a specific ceremony.

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