Spanish Conversation · Level 90
60 words
Spanish word
clero
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈkleɾo/
Meaning
- masculine nounclergy
Example
El clero asistió a la ceremonia.
The clergy attended the ceremony.
More examples
El clero se reunió con representantes del gobierno.
The clergy met with government representatives.
Core concept
Collective body of ordained priests and other religious officials.
Common phrases
miembro del clero
member of the clergy
el clero católico
the Catholic clergy
clero secular
secular clergy
Similar words
sacerdote: Ordained priest authorized to lead worship and perform religious rites.
cura: Catholic parish priest who cares for a local congregation and administers sacraments.
religioso: Member of a religious order living in a monastery or community, devoted to prayer and service.
pastor: Protestant minister who leads worship, preaches, and provides pastoral care.
Definition in Spanish
Conjunto de personas ordenadas para funciones religiosas, especialmente dentro de la Iglesia.
Word origin
Spanish clero derives from Latin clericus and ultimately from Greek kleros 'lot' or 'allotment', reflecting those allotted to religious office.
Usage tips
- As a collective noun, el clero usually takes singular verb agreement in Spanish, and individual members are named clérigo or sacerdote rather than clero.