WordGarden.iopriestly
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈiːstli/
US
- /ˈpristli/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to priests or having a manner associated with priests
Beyond the definition
The word "priestly" usually means relating to priests or having the calm, serious, and dignified manner often linked with them. You might read about "priestly duties," "priestly robes," or a person with a "priestly bearing."
It is most often used in religious contexts, but it can also describe someone whose manner feels solemn, gentle, and full of quiet authority. The word comes from the Old English word for priest, preost, and it still keeps that strong religious sense.
"Priestly" primarily means relating to a priest or to the work, dress, or role of priests. In the most direct sense, it appears in phrases like "priestly duties," "priestly garments," or "priestly blessings," where it clearly points to religious service and tradition.
The word can also describe a person who seems like a priest in manner rather than in job. In that use, it suggests someone who is solemn, calm, serious, gentle, or dignified. A writer might describe an elderly man with a quiet voice and composed presence as having a "priestly air" or "priestly bearing."
This wider use is still connected to the idea of religion, so the word usually carries a feeling of reverence, formality, or moral seriousness. It is less often used for random things in a broad poetic way, and more often for people, behavior, clothing, or acts that feel linked to the role or character of a priest.
The word comes from the Old English preost, meaning priest. Even when it is used figuratively, its core meaning stays close to that origin: something belongs to priests, or it reminds us of the solemn and dignified qualities people often associate with them.
Examples
- 1
Religious clothing
He put on his priestly robes before the service.
- 2
Church duties
The old records describe his priestly duties in the village church.
- 3
Social class
In that society, the priestly class had great influence over education and law.
- 4
Serious manner
She spoke with a calm, almost priestly seriousness.
See also
Similar
- clerical
- sacerdotal
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- priestly duties
- priestly office
- priestly vestments
- priestly blessing
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- priestlyadjective