What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sacerdotal
Example
The sacerdotal duties of the priest included performing baptisms and administering communion. [sacerdotal: adjective]
Example
The sacerdotal robes worn during the ceremony were ornate and symbolic. [sacerdotal: adjective]
ecclesiastical
Example
The ecclesiastical council was responsible for making decisions regarding church policy. [ecclesiastical: adjective]
Example
The ecclesiastical history of the church traced its origins back to the early Christian era. [ecclesiastical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ecclesiastical is more commonly used than sacerdotal in everyday language. Ecclesiastical is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts related to the church or religious institutions, while sacerdotal is more limited in scope and usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sacerdotal and ecclesiastical?
Both sacerdotal and ecclesiastical are more commonly used in formal or academic contexts. However, sacerdotal can have a more reverent or solemn connotation, making it more appropriate for religious or ceremonial contexts.