catholicity

[ kath-uh-lis-i-tee ]

noun

1. broad-mindedness or liberality, as of tastes, interests, or views.
2. universality; general inclusiveness.
3. (initial capital letter) the Roman Catholic Church, or its doctrines and usages.

catholicity

¹

/ ˌkæθəˈlɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. a wide range of interests, tastes, etc; liberality
2. universality; comprehensiveness

Catholicity

²

/ ˌkæθəˈlɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. the beliefs, etc, of the Catholic Church

Other Words From

• noncath·o·lici·ty noun
• uncath·o·lici·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of catholicity¹

First recorded in 1820–30; catholic + -ity

Example Sentences

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, who leads the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, criticized public officials who “flaunt their Catholicity” but whose policies the church does not support.

From New York Times

That is their business—but if it transpires they should be wary of flaunting their Catholicity for political effect.

From Economist

The great evils produced by the encouragement of mendicancy which has always accompanied the uncontrolled development of Catholicity, have naturally given rise to much discussion and legislation.

From Project Gutenberg

The continuous existence of Catholicity is essentially the self-building of the body of Christ.

From Project Gutenberg

So there is a Catholicity of time, as well as of space and of people: and all must be claimed in the ascertainment and support of Holy Writ.

From Project Gutenberg