pontificate

[noun pon-tif-i-kit, -keyt; verb pon-tif-i-keyt]

noun

the office or term of office of a pontiff.

verb (used without object), pon·tif·i·cat·ed, pon·tif·i·cat·ing.

to perform the office or duties of a pontiff.

to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner: Did he pontificate about the responsibilities of a good citizen?

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

Nearby words

Origin of pontificate

1575–85; (noun) < Latin pontificātus; see pontifical, -ate³; (v.) < Medieval Latin pontificātus past participle of pontificāre to be an ecclesiastic; see -ate¹

Related formspon·tif·i·ca·tion, nounpon·tif·i·ca·tor, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for pontificating

John McCain completely wasted his shot at her, just pontificating away, looking aggreived, not accomplishing anything.
Hillary on the Hill|Michael Tomasky|January 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
We live in a 24/7 news cycle that gives every pontificating pundit and boastful blogger the chance to spin thousands of others.
How the Drudge Report, With Its Condoleezza Rice ‘Scoop,’ Again Rules the Media|Lauren Ashburn|July 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST
This should give any Western pundit pause when pontificating on popular sentiment in Saudi Arabia.
Let Saudi Women Drive!|David Keyes|June 17, 2011|DAILY BEAST
The Delaware primary result will be the topic of much handwringing, pontificating and consternation in coming days.
The Republicans' Silver Lining|Nicolle Wallace|September 14, 2010|DAILY BEAST

It is probable that each bishop had a large jewelled ring to use when pontificating.
Finger-Ring Lore|William Jones
A jewelled ring was always worn by a bishop, and was an essential part of his costume when pontificating.
Jewellery|H. Clifford Smith,

British Dictionary definitions for pontificating

pontificate

verb (pɒnˈtɪfɪˌkeɪt) (intr)

to speak or behave in a pompous or dogmatic mannerAlso (less commonly): pontify (ˈpɒntɪˌfaɪ)

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

noun (pɒnˈtɪfɪkɪt)

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for pontificating

pontificate

1818, "to act as a pontiff," from Medieval Latin pontificatus, past participle of pontificare "to be a pontifex," from Latin pontifex (see pontiff). Meaning "to assume pompous and dignified airs, issue dogmatic decrees" is from 1825. Meaning "to say (something) in a pontifical way" is from 1922. Related: Pontificated; pontificating.

pontificate

1580s, from Latin pontificatus "office of a pontiff," from pontifex (see pontifex).

pontificate

noun

verb (used without object), pon·tif·i·cat·ed, pon·tif·i·cat·ing.

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Origin of pontificate

Examples from the Web for pontificating

pontificate

verb (pɒnˈtɪfɪˌkeɪt) (intr)

noun (pɒnˈtɪfɪkɪt)

pontificate

pontificate