Spanish word

sacerdote

Pronunciation

IPA/saθeɾˈðote/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpriest

Example

¿Dónde está el sacerdote?

Where is the priest?

Illustration for sacerdote (priest)

More examples

Hablé con el sacerdote de la parroquia ayer.

I spoke with the parish priest yesterday.

Core concept

Priest in liturgical vestments at an altar.

Common phrases

  • sacerdote local

    local priest

  • el sacerdote de la iglesia

    the priest of the church

Similar words

cura: Catholic minister who performs worship services and hears confessions in a church.
padre: Common respectful title for a priest used in everyday speech to address him directly.
párroco: Local pastor charged with the pastoral care and administrative duties of a parish.

Definition in Spanish

Persona ordenada para ejercer funciones religiosas, especialmente en la Iglesia católica; celebra la misa y administra los sacramentos.

Word origin

From Latin sacerdō (from sacer 'holy'), Spanish sacerdote passed through Vulgar Latin into the Romance languages and names an ordained person who celebrates Mass and administers the sacraments.

Usage tips

  • In everyday speech speakers often use padre or cura for a Catholic priest, while sacerdote sounds more formal or typical of written and religious contexts.

Opposites

Related words

  • sacerdociopriesthoodnoun

Word lists with this word