pontificate

American  

[pon-tif-i-kit, -keyt, pon-tif-i-keyt] / pɒnˈtɪf ɪ kɪt, -ˌkeɪt, pɒnˈtɪf ɪˌkeɪt /

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 British  

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

Etymology

Origin of pontificate

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

The vice president pretended to pivot from “a longer discussion” of the subject, but then he immediately started pontificating about the culture’s “desire” to classify “celestial beings who fly around “as aliens.”

From Salon

The carrying of the cross was performed by John Paul II during the first part of his long pontificate, which lasted from 1978 to 2005, and then by Benedict XVI on a more limited basis.

From Barron's

Known as the Dragon Slayer, he’s often shown meditating, praying, waxing philosophical, and pontificating on nobility, integrity and honor.

From Los Angeles Times

The 70-year-old pope, born as Robert Prevost in Chicago and known for most of his life as “Bob,” has had a quiet start to his pontificate.

From The Wall Street Journal

And as Mother Russia Mr. Turner is uproariously funny, interrupting the proceedings to rant and pontificate.

From The Wall Street Journal