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, nounpon·tif·i·ca·tor, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for pontificate

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

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pontificate

noun

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