ordain Definition
- 1make (someone) a priest or minister; confer holy orders on
- 2order or decree (something) officially
- 3destine (someone) for a particular fate or purpose
Using ordain: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ordain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was ordained as a priest last year.
Example
The new law was ordained by the government.
Example
It was ordained that he would become the next king.
Example
She felt that it was her destiny to be ordained as a minister.
ordain Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using ordain
Example
It seemed that their meeting was ordained by fate, as they fell in love at first sight.
Example
She felt that she was ordained to help others, so she became a social worker.
Example
Their love was ordained in heaven, and nothing could keep them apart.
Phrases with ordain
self-ordained
having assumed the role of a religious leader without being officially ordained
Example
He was a self-ordained minister who started his own church.
a person who has been officially recognized and authorized by a religious organization to perform religious ceremonies and services
Example
The wedding ceremony was conducted by an ordained minister.
a person who has been officially recognized and authorized by a religious organization to perform religious ceremonies and services, specifically in the Christian faith
Example
He became an ordained priest after years of studying theology.
Origins of ordain
from Latin 'ordinare', meaning 'to order'
Summary: ordain in Brief
The verb 'ordain' [ɔːˈdeɪn] means to make someone a priest or minister, order or decree something officially, or destine someone for a particular fate or purpose. Examples include 'He was ordained as a priest last year,' 'The new law was ordained by the government,' and 'She felt that it was her destiny to be ordained as a minister.' Phrases like 'self-ordained' and 'ordained minister' denote religious roles, while idioms like 'ordained by fate' and 'ordained to do something' imply a predetermined destiny.