pontificate
To preside as a bishop, especially at massTo preside as a bishop, especially at mass.
» He likes to pontificate in his spare time.
Meaning
3 senses(intransitive)To preside as a bishop, especially at mass.
(intransitive)To act like a pontiff; to express one's position or opinions dogmatically and pompously as if they were absolutely correct.
(intransitive)To speak in a patronizing, supercilious or pompous manner, especially at length.
talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner
Examples
3 sentencesHe likes to pontificate in his spare time.
Don't pontificate so much.
Tom read half an article on the new tax laws, but can pontificate on them for hours.
Translations
4 languagesOrigin
From the past participle stem of Medieval Latin pontificō, from Latin pontifex (“high prieFrom the past participle stem of Medieval Latin pontificō, from Latin pontifex (“high priest”), from pons (“bridge”) + facere (“make”).
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Forms
pontificates, pontificating, pontificated, pontificated| Base form | pontificate · to pontificate |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | pontificates |
| Present participle | pontificating |
| Past simple | pontificated |
| Past participle | pontificated |
regular · Lesson
Word family
3 related wordsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle