ordain

[ɔːˈdeɪn]

ordain Definition

• 1. make (someone) a priest or minister; confer holy orders on
• 2. order or decree (something) officially
• 3. destine (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

Synonyms for ordain

• consecrate
• anoint
• appoint
• establish
• decree

Antonyms for ordain

• depose
• dethrone

Idioms Using ordain

• ordained by fate

  destined by a higher power or predetermined fate

  Example

  It seemed that their meeting was ordained by fate, as they fell in love at first sight.

• ordained to do something

  destined or intended to do something

  Example

  She felt that she was ordained to help others, so she became a social worker.

• ordained in heaven

  approved or sanctioned by God or a higher power

  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.

• ordained minister

  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.

• ordained priest

  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'

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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.