pontificality

noun

pon·​tif·​i·​cal·​i·​ty
(ˌ)pän‧ˌtifəˈkalətē,
-ətē,
-i
plural -es
1
a
: the state, office, dignity, or rule of a pontiff
b(1)
: pope
(2)
: papacy
2
: extreme or exaggerated dignity : pompousness
the pontificality of a second-rate diplomat

Word History

Etymology

Middle French pontificalité, from pontifical (from Latin pontificalis) + -ité -ity

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near pontificality

Cite this Entry

“Pontificality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pontificality. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!