Langimage
English

archbishop

|arch/bish/op|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˌɑːrtʃˈbɪʃəp/

🇬🇧

/ˌɑːtʃˈbɪʃəp/

chief bishop

Etymology
Etymology Information

'archbishop' originates from the Greek word 'archiepiskopos', where 'archi-' meant 'chief' and 'episkopos' meant 'overseer'.

Historical Evolution

'archiepiskopos' transformed into the Latin word 'archiepiscopus', and eventually became the modern English word 'archbishop'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'chief overseer', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a senior bishop in charge of an archdiocese'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a senior bishop in charge of an archdiocese, who has authority over other bishops in the region.

The archbishop presided over the ceremony.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42