pontificate

[pon-tif-i-kit, -keyt, pon-tif-i-keyt]

noun

1. the office or term of office of a pontiff.

verb (used without object)

pontificated, pontificating 

1. to perform the office or duties of a pontiff.

2. to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner.

   Did he pontificate about the responsibilities of a good citizen?

3. to serve as a bishop, especially in a Pontifical Mass.

pontificate

verb

1. Also (less commonly): pontify. to speak or behave in a pompous or dogmatic manner

2. to serve or officiate as a pontiff, esp in celebrating a Pontifical Mass

noun

1. the office or term of office of a pontiff, now usually the pope

Other Word Forms

• pontification noun
• pontificator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pontificate¹

First recorded in 1400–50. The noun is from Latin pontificātus, derivative of pontific- (stem of pontifex ) + -ātus noun suffix denoting office or function; pontifex, -ate ³. The verb is from Medieval Latin pontificātus, past participle of pontificāre “to be an ecclesiastic”; -ate ¹

Example Sentences

ISTANBUL—After a low-profile start to his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV is stepping into the limelight.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As the Washington Post noted, “the document’s release follows the most vocal 10 days of Leo’s pontificate.”

Read more on Salon

There has been speculation over Leo's first international destination, as early papal trips often define the tone of a pontificate.

Read more on BBC

There’s been ad nauseam amounts of pontificating about the current state of the Democratic party.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But several events over the next few days and weeks will give Pope Leo a further chance to sketch out the priorities of his pontificate.

Read more on BBC