pontificate

Meanings

• verb

  to speak authoritatively and at length on a subject; expound or discourse on a subject in a pompous or grandiose manner

  - "The bishop pontificated for hours about the importance of charity."
  - "The politician was criticized for pontificating rather than addressing the issue at hand."

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Pronunciation

1. 
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75834226"
2. /pɑːnˈtɪfɪkət/
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1088548"
3. /pɑːnˈtɪfɪkeɪt/
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1088546"

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with pontificate
contemplate , intimate , mediate , relate

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Variants

List of all variants of pontificate that leads to same result
pontificate , pontificated , pontificates , pontificating , pontification , pontifications , pontificator , pontificators

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

from Latin pontificare ‘to act as a priest or judge’, from pons ‘bridge’ + facere ‘to make’

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The term 'pontificate' comes from the Latin word 'pontifex', which means 'bridge builder'.

2. The term 'pontiff' is derived from the same Latin root and refers to a religious leader, particularly the Pope.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. oratory: The art of using language effectively and persuasively in public speaking. Pontification is a type of oratory that emphasizes grandiosity and authoritativeness.

2. preaching: The act of delivering a sermon or religious discourse. Pontification can be a style of preaching that emphasizes lengthy, authoritative speech.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature and art, the term 'pontificate' is often used to describe characters or situations where someone is speaking in an overly grandiose or authoritative manner. This can be used to highlight their arrogance or lack of genuine expertise.

How to Memorize "pontificate"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine someone standing on a high platform, speaking in a grandiose and authoritative tone to a large crowd.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'pontificate' with the image of a bishop or other religious figure delivering a sermon.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Create a mnemonic using the phrase 'Pompous Orator Nattering Incessantly And Frequently' to help remember the meaning of the word.

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