apostolical
|a-pos-to-li-cal|
🇺🇸
/ˌæpəˈstɑːlɪkəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌæpəˈstɒlɪk(ə)l/
pertaining to an apostle / apostolic authority
Etymology
'apostolical' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'apostolicus', where the root 'apostol-' comes from Greek 'apostolos' meaning 'one sent'.
'apostolical' came into English via Church Latin and Middle English (Old/Medieval forms such as 'apostolical'/'apostolik'), ultimately from Latin 'apostolicus' and Greek 'apostolos'.
Initially it meant 'of or pertaining to an apostle' in a literal sense; over time it retained that core meaning while also being used more broadly for things claiming authority or succession from the apostles.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to an apostle or the apostles; characteristic of the apostles.
The early church preserved apostolical teachings attributed to the first disciples.
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Adjective 2
pertaining to apostolic succession or to the authority derived from the apostles (especially in a church context).
The bishop emphasized his apostolical authority as derived through an unbroken line of succession.
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Adjective 3
(archaic or formal) An alternative or older form of the adjective 'apostolic'.
Many older texts use the apostolical form where modern texts prefer apostolic.
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Last updated: 2025/09/22 08:40