ENGLISH
REFERENCE

priests

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈpɹists// UK //pɹˈiːsts// priests

n. religious leaders who are allowed to perform special ceremonies, like weddings or prayers. They usually work in a church or temple and help people with their spiritual lives.

n. ordained ministers or religious practitioners authorised to perform sacred rites and act as intermediaries between humans and a deity.


SIMPLE

The priests lead the morning service at the local church.

CONTEXTUAL

During the festival, the priests wear traditional robes and offer blessings to the families in the community.

COMPLEX

Historians have noted that in many ancient civilisations, priests held significant political power, often serving as the primary advisors to the ruling monarchs on matters of law and statecraft.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural to refer to the clergy as a group; often takes the preposition 'of' when specifying a religion or deity.

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