anticlerically
|an-ti-cle-ri-cal-ly|
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/ˌæn.tɪˈklɪrɪkəl/
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/ˌæn.tɪˈklɪərɪkəl/
(anticlerical)
opposed to clerical influence
Etymology
'anticlerical' originates from a combination of prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') and 'clerical' (from Latin 'clericus', via Old French 'clerique'), where 'clericus' referred to a member of the clergy.
'anticlerical' was used in French as 'anticlérical' in the 19th century in political contexts opposing clerical influence; English adopted the formation (anti- + clerical) to form 'anticlerical', and the adverb 'anticlerically' is formed by adding the English adverbial suffix '-ly'.
Initially it described opposition to clerical power or influence (especially in 19th-century political contexts); this core meaning has remained, though usage has broadened to describe general hostility to clericalism or clergy involvement in secular affairs.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
adjectival base form related to 'anticlerical'. (Note: 'anticlerically' is the adverbial form derived from the adjective 'anticlerical'.)
This entry describes the adverbial form derived from the adjective 'anticlerical'.
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Antonyms
Adverb 1
in a manner opposing the clergy, clerical authority, or the political influence of the church; with hostility to clericalism.
The reformers spoke anticlerically, arguing that education should be free from church control.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/25 23:08