priest

[priːst]

priest Definition

  • 1a person, usually a man, who has been trained to perform religious duties and ceremonies in the Christian church
  • 2a person who is qualified to perform religious duties and ceremonies in other religions

Using priest: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "priest" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The priest led the congregation in prayer.

  • Example

    He was ordained as a priest last year.

  • Example

    The temple has several priests who perform daily rituals.

  • Example

    She consulted a priest for spiritual guidance.

priest Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for priest

Idioms Using priest

  • a priest-ridden society

    a society that is dominated or controlled by the clergy or religious authorities

    Example

    The country was a priest-ridden society until the secular revolution.

  • a strong sense of vocation or calling to become a priest or minister

    Example

    He felt a priestly calling from a young age and pursued theological studies.

  • to take the veil (as a priest)

    to become a priest or nun

    Example

    She decided to take the veil and become a priest after a period of discernment.

Phrases with priest

  • a chief priest in a religion or cult

    Example

    The high priest of the temple presided over the ceremony.

  • a priest who has been officially appointed and authorized by a religious organization

    Example

    He became an ordained priest after completing his theological studies.

  • a priest who is responsible for a parish and its congregation

    Example

    The parish priest is available for counseling and pastoral care.

Origins of priest

from Old English 'preost', from Late Latin 'presbyter', from Greek 'presbyteros', meaning 'elder'

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Summary: priest in Brief

A 'priest' [priːst] is a person, usually a man, who has been trained to perform religious duties and ceremonies in the Christian church or other religions. It can refer to a clergyman, minister, pastor, or vicar, and extends to phrases like 'high priest' and idioms like 'a priest-ridden society.' 'Priest' is also used in the phrase 'to take the veil (as a priest)' to denote becoming a priest or nun.

How do native speakers use this expression?