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Definition of prelate

prelate

/ˈprɛl.ət/
pre · late
Plural:prelates
•
Adjective:prelatic
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prelate Lexical Profile

prelate Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A high-ranking member of the Christian clergy, such as a bishop, archbishop, cardinal, or abbot, who holds ordinary jurisdiction within the church.

Example

"The visiting prelate delivered a solemn address in the cathedral before meeting with local parish priests."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for prelate

• Nearby Words

prejudicial
prejudicially
prekindergarten
prelate
prelaunch
prelaw
prelim

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French from Medieval Latin 'praelatus' ('a high church dignitary'), from the past participle of Latin 'praeferre' ('to carry before, place in charge, or prefer'), combining 'prae-' ('before') and 'latus' ('borne' or 'carried').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Prelate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/prelate
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