The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

ordain

IPA

Dictionary definition of ordain

To officially confer or appoint someone to a position of religious authority, such as a priest, minister, or bishop, through a formal ceremony or process.
"The bishop will travel to the remote village to ordain a new priest for the community."

Detailed meaning of ordain

Ordination is often accompanied by specific rituals or requirements depending on the religion or denomination, such as a period of training, a statement of faith, or the laying on of hands by other ordained individuals. In addition to religious contexts, the term "ordain" can also be used in secular contexts to refer to the official appointment or authorization of someone to a particular position, such as a judge, mayor, or military officer. Ordination is considered a solemn and important occasion, as it signifies the individual's acceptance of the responsibilities and duties associated with their role, as well as their commitment to serving their community or congregation.

Example sentences containing ordain

1. The church will ordain new priests this weekend.
2. The organization decided to ordain women as clergy members.
3. The bishop will ordain the deacons during the ceremony.
4. It is the responsibility of the board to ordain the rules and regulations.
5. The council voted to ordain the new bylaws.
6. The tradition of the tribe was to ordain leaders through a sacred ceremony.

History and etymology of ordain

The verb 'ordain' has its etymological roots in Old French and Latin. It can be traced back to the Old French word 'ordener,' which meant 'to order' or 'to arrange.' This Old French term was influenced by the Latin word 'ordinare,' which also meant 'to order' or 'to arrange,' particularly in a religious or ceremonial context. In medieval Latin, 'ordinare' was used to describe the formal appointment and consecration of individuals to positions of religious authority, such as priests, ministers, or bishops. Over time, as the Christian Church and its rituals evolved, the term 'ordain' came to specifically signify the act of officially conferring religious authority through a formal ceremony or process, making it an essential part of the religious lexicon. This etymology reflects the historical and linguistic development of the word 'ordain' in the context of religious hierarchy and sacred traditions.

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Further usage examples of ordain

1. The university will ordain a professor as the head of the department.
2. The ceremony will ordain him as a minister of the church.
3. The religious sect has specific rituals to ordain its members.
4. The elders gathered to ordain the chosen candidate as the village chief.
5. The governing body will ordain new policies for the upcoming year.
6. The assembly will vote to ordain the proposed amendments.
7. The organization aims to ordain a sense of unity among its members.
8. The council's decision will ordain the future direction of the project.
9. The tradition has long been to ordain the eldest son as the heir.
10. The committee will ordain a code of conduct for the employees.
11. The organization will ordain the newly elected president into office.
12. The religious order will ordain the novices as monks.
13. The legislation aims to ordain stricter penalties for certain crimes.
14. The governing body will ordain the budget for the next fiscal year.