ordination
|or-di-na-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌɔr.dəˈneɪ.ʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌɔː.dɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
formal ordering / appointment
Etymology
'ordination' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ordinatio' (from 'ordinare'), where 'ordo/ordin-' meant 'order' or 'arrangement'.
'ordinatio' in Latin passed into Medieval Latin and Old French and then into Middle English as 'ordinacioun'/'ordination', eventually becoming the modern English 'ordination'.
Initially, it meant 'ordering' or 'arrangement'; over time it came to be used especially for the formal 'conferring of orders' (appointment to a religious office) and related ceremonial acts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the ceremony or act of ordaining someone, especially to a clerical office (conferring holy orders).
She attended the ordination of the new priest at the cathedral.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the action or process of ordaining; the act of officially appointing someone to a position or office (not necessarily religious).
The ordination of committee members will take place at the board meeting.
Synonyms
Noun 3
(archaic) An ordinance, decree, or established order; the act of putting things in order.
In older texts, 'ordination' can refer to legal ordinances or arrangements.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/22 22:05