French word

diacre

Pronunciation

IPA/djakʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine noundeacon

Example

Nous avons parlé avec le diacre après la messe.

We spoke with the deacon after Mass.

Illustration for diacre (deacon)

More examples

J'ai rencontré le diacre au marché.

I met the deacon at the market.

Core concept

A church minister whose role joins worship with practical pastoral service, either on the path to priesthood or as a permanent office.

Similar words

prêtre: A priest who conducts worship and officiates at weddings, baptisms, and other ceremonies.
curé: The priest in charge of a particular parish and its daily worship and pastoral care.
pasteur: A Protestant minister who leads worship and provides guidance and counsel to believers.
évêque: A senior clergyman who supervises several parishes and makes clerical appointments.

Definition in French

Ministre ordonné du culte chargé de fonctions liturgiques et de service pastoral, rôle pouvant être transitoire vers le sacerdoce ou exercé de façon permanente selon les Églises.

Word origin

French diacre comes through Old French and Latin diaconus from Greek diakonos, meaning a servant or minister.

Usage tips

  • The exact duties and whether the office is permanent vary among Christian denominations, so context identifies the church tradition involved.

Opposites

  • laïclaypersonnoun

Word lists with this word