pontificate
pontificate Lexical Profile
pontificate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To express one's opinions in a pompous, dogmatic, and self-important way.
"The commentator spent an hour on television pontificating about how younger generations should manage their finances."
To officiate as a bishop or pope, especially when celebrating a pontifical mass.
"The visiting archbishop was invited to pontificate at the cathedral's Easter service."
• noun
The office, dignity, or term of office of a pope or bishop.
"Several major liturgical reforms were introduced during the long pontificate of the previous pope."
Word Nuance & Usage
Note the pronunciation difference between the parts of speech: the noun ends with a reduced vowel sound (/pɒnˈtɪfɪkət/), whereas the verb ends with a long 'a' sound (/pɒnˈtɪfɪkeɪt/). In modern non-religious usage, the verb almost always carries a pejorative connotation of pomposity.
• Rhymes for pontificate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin 'pontificatus' (the office of a pontiff or pope) and 'pontificare' (to perform the functions of a bishop), ultimately from Latin 'pontifex' meaning 'high priest' (literally 'bridge-builder', from 'pons' meaning 'bridge' and 'facere' meaning 'to make').