priest
gb/pɹˈist/ us/pɹˈist/
A2
English
~ 2600
pap
NOUN
A2
1
pap
A2
Usage pattern:
[a/an/the] priest
The priest delivered a moving sermon on forgiveness.
A pap megható prédikációt tartott a megbocsátásról.
She spoke to the priest about arranging the wedding ceremony.
Beszélt a pappal az esküvői szertartás megszervezéséről.
The local priest visits the school once a week.
After years of study, he was finally ordained as a priest.
The priest blessed the congregation at the end of the service.
Learner examples
The priest works in the church.
A pap a templomban dolgozik.
I saw the priest at the wedding.
Láttam a papot az esküvőn.
The priest spoke to the people.
A priest can help with religious questions.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'priest' with 'pastor' or 'minister'. While similar, these terms can refer to different roles depending on the religion or denomination.
Meaning
Religious official or leader
Collocations
Catholic priest
|ordained priest
|parish priest
|high priest
|Anglican priest
Synonyms
minister (Often used in Protestant contexts; similar role but may differ by denomination.)
|
clergyman (A more formal or general term for a male member of the clergy.)
Antonyms
layperson (Someone who is not a member of the clergy.)
Themes
religion
|community
|culture
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A person who works for a church or religion and leads services or performs special religious acts.
A person who is officially authorized to lead religious services, perform sacred rituals, and act as a spiritual leader in certain religions, especially in Christian traditions.
Grammar
Dictionary form
priest
IPA
GB/pɹˈist/
US/pɹˈist/
Syllables & stress
priest (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (priest)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: priest
- Plural: priests
Word family
Forms
priests
noun
Core family
priestly
adjective
priesthood
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
layperson
noun
Advanced or less common
cleric
noun
Expressions
high priest
1/hˈaɪ pɹˈist/
fixed phrase
Most senior priest
The most important or powerful priest in a religion or temple.
Examples
- The high priest led the ceremony during the festival.
- In ancient Egypt, the high priest served both religious and political roles.
ordain as a priest
1/ɔɹdˈeɪn ˈæz ə pɹˈist/
fixed phrase
Make someone a priest officially
To make someone a priest by having a special religious ceremony.
Examples
- He was ordained as a priest after completing his theological studies.
- The bishop will ordain her as a priest next month.
parish priest
1/pˈɛɹɪʃ pɹˈist/
fixed phrase
Priest in charge of a parish
A priest who leads and cares for a parish community.
Examples
- The parish priest visited the school to talk to students.
- The parish priest organizes community events every month.
- Our parish priest has been here for twenty years.
- She asked her parish priest for advice on volunteering.