clergy
gb/klˈɚd͡ʒi/ us/klˈɚd͡ʒi/
B1
English
~ 4200
papság, klérus
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
the clergy
The clergy gathered to discuss changes in church policy.
A papság összegyűlt, hogy megvitassa az egyházi irányelvek változásait.
He has served in the clergy for over 20 years.
Több mint 20 éve szolgál a papság tagjaként.
The local clergy organized a charity event for the homeless.
Women are now serving in the clergy in many denominations.
The bishop urged the clergy to support the community during difficult times.
Learner examples
The clergy work in the church.
A papság tagjai az egyházban dolgoznak.
The clergy help people in the community.
A papság segíti a közösség tagjait.
He is a member of the clergy.
The clergy lead the service.
She joined the clergy last year.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'clergy' (plural group) with a single person; for one person, use 'a clergyman', 'a clergyperson', or 'a priest'.
Meaning
Religious leaders or officials
Collocations
members of the clergy
|Catholic clergy
|Protestant clergy
|ordained clergy
|senior clergy
Synonyms
priests (Specifically refers to ordained ministers in certain Christian denominations, while 'clergy' is broader.)
|
ministers (Often used for Protestant clergy, can overlap with 'clergy' but is denomination-specific.)
Antonyms
laity (Refers to all non-clergy members of a religious community.)
Themes
religion
|society
Definition
People who are trained and work as leaders in a church or religion.
The body of people ordained for religious duties, especially in Christian churches.
Grammar
Dictionary form
clergy
IPA
GB/klˈɚd͡ʒi/
US/klˈɚd͡ʒi/
Syllables & stress
clergy (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (clergy)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: clergy
- Plural: clergy
Word family
Expressions
members of the clergy
1/mˈɛmbɚz əv ðə klˈɚd͡ʒi/
fixed phrase
Individuals who are ordained religious officials
People who are part of the official group that leads a religion.
Examples
- Several members of the clergy attended the funeral.
- Members of the clergy are expected to uphold high moral standards.
the clergy and the laity
1/ðə klˈɚd͡ʒi ˈænd ðə lˈeɪəti/
fixed phrase
Religious leaders and ordinary members
A phrase that means the leaders of a church and the regular people who are part of it.
Examples
- The conference was open to both the clergy and the laity.
- Decisions were made after consulting the clergy and the laity.