pontificate

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

/ noun pɒnˈtɪf ɪ kɪt, -ˌkeɪt; verb pɒnˈtɪf ɪˌkeɪt /

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See synonyms for: pontificate / pontificator on Thesaurus.com

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.

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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; see origin at pontifex, -ate³. The verb is from Medieval Latin pontificātus, past participle of pontificāre “to be an ecclesiastic”; see -ate¹

OTHER WORDS FROM pontificate

pon·tif·i·ca·tion

[pon-tif-i-key-shuhn], /pɒnˌtɪf ɪˈkeɪ ʃən/, nounpon·tif·i·ca·tor, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pontificate in a sentence

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,
Just the thing for Schoolmaster Staur pontificating in his armchair.
Look Back on Happiness|Knut Hamsun

British Dictionary definitions for pontificate

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

pontificate

Origin of pontificate

OTHER WORDS FROM pontificate

Words related to pontificate

How to use pontificate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for pontificate