ecclesiastically
|ec-cle-si-as-ti-cal-ly|
🇺🇸
/ɪˌklɛz.iˈæs.tɪ.kli/
🇬🇧
/ˌek.lɪˈzæs.tɪ.k(ə)li/
(ecclesiastical)
church-related
Etymology
'ecclesiastically' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'ecclesiasticus', where 'ecclesia' meant 'assembly, church' and the adjectival suffix '-icus' formed words meaning 'pertaining to'.
'ecclesiastically' developed through Medieval and Middle English forms borrowed from Latin (and via Old French 'ecclésiastique'), with Middle English adopting 'ecclesiastical' and English later forming the adverb 'ecclesiastically'.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to an assembly (ekklesia)', but over time it evolved to mean 'pertaining specifically to the Christian Church or its clergy' and practices.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner relating to the Christian Church or its clergy.
The council assembled ecclesiastically to address issues of doctrine.
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Adverb 2
according to church law, rites, or ecclesiastical authority.
The dispute was resolved ecclesiastically rather than in a civil court.
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Adverb 3
in a manner characteristic of church services or worship.
He spoke ecclesiastically, with the cadence and formality of a sermon.
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Last updated: 2025/10/25 23:30