apostolic

Also ap·os·tol·i·cal

[ap-uh-stol-ik]

adjective

1. of or characteristic of an apostle.

2. pertaining to or characteristic of the 12 apostles.

3. derived from the apostles in regular succession.

4. of or relating to the pope; papal.

apostolic

/ ˌæpəˈstɒlɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, deriving from, or contemporary with the Apostles

2. of or relating to the teachings or practice of the Apostles

3. of or relating to the pope regarded as chief successor of the Apostles

Other Word Forms

• apostolically adverb
• apostolicism noun
• apostolicity noun
• apostolicalness noun
• nonapostolic adjective
• nonapostolical adjective
• nonapostolically adverb
• postapostolic adjective
• postapostolical adjective
• proapostolic adjective
• apostolical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apostolic¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Late Latin apostolicus, from Greek apostolikós, from apóstol(os) apostle + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

In private Sir Wicknell - as everyone knows him - has also dished out houses and study scholarships to followers of his apostolic church, the Zion Christian Church, known for their white garments and worshipping outdoors.

From BBC

First, the apostolic networks are present in the county, then they attract “big-name visitors” for special events, and then “the local growth of these communities and networks” begins to impact local politics.

From Salon

Prophets are therefore expected to submit to the authority of the apostolic leaders.

From Salon

Francis praised her on Sunday as a “model of apostolic fervor and audacity for us,” and he urged his listeners to overcome prejudice and fear and be close to the poor.

From New York Times

What Wagner saw in these examples and others, Gagné said, “was a new mode of church governance which focused on apostolic leadership and networks.”

From Salon

Related Words

• ecclesiastical 
• ministerial 
• monastic 
• pastoral 
• rabbinical