Pontifical (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Denoting or governed by or relating to a bishop or bishops.
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Puffed up with vanity; "a grandiloquent and boastful manner"; "overblown oratory"; "a pompous speech"; "pseudo-scientific gobbledygook and pontifical hooey"- Newsweek.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Meaning 3
Proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles; "papal dispensation".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The pontifical Mass was attended by thousands of devout Catholics who came to see the Pope.
- He received a pontifical blessing on his wedding day, which he considered a special honor.
- The pontifical university was founded in the 13th century and has been a center of Catholic learning ever since.
- The Pope's pontifical address was broadcast around the world, conveying his message of peace and unity.
- The monk was granted a pontifical dispensation to leave his order and become a missionary.