What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ecclesiastical
Example
The bishop wore ecclesiastical robes during the ceremony. [ecclesiastical: adjective]
Example
The ecclesiastical hierarchy is responsible for overseeing the church's operations. [ecclesiastical: adjective]
churchly
Example
The churchly community gathered for a prayer service. [churchly: adjective]
Example
The pastor's sermon focused on churchly virtues such as forgiveness and compassion. [churchly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ecclesiastical is more commonly used than churchly in academic or religious contexts. Churchly is less common and may be considered outdated or overly formal in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ecclesiastical and churchly?
Both ecclesiastical and churchly have a formal tone and are often used in academic or religious contexts. However, ecclesiastical is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while churchly is typically associated with a more formal tone.
