pontificate

[ noun pon-tif-i-kit, -keyt; verb pon-tif-i-keyt ]

noun

1. the office or term of office of a pontiff.

verb (used without object)

, pon·tif·i·cat·ed, pon·tif·i·cat·ing.

1. to perform the office or duties of a pontiff.
2. to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner:

   Did he pontificate about the responsibilities of a good citizen?

3. to serve as a bishop, especially in a Pontifical Mass.

pontificate

verb

1. to speak or behave in a pompous or dogmatic manner Also (less commonly)pontifyˈpɒntɪˌfaɪ
2. to serve or officiate as a pontiff, esp in celebrating a Pontifical Mass

noun

1. the office or term of office of a pontiff, now usually the pope

Other Words From

• pon·tif·i·ca·tion [pon-tif-i-, key, -sh, uh, n], noun
• pon·tif·i·ca·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pontificate¹

First recorded in 1400–50. The noun is from Latin pontificātus, derivative of pontific- (stem of pontifex ) + -ātus noun suffix denoting office or function; pontifex, -ate ³. The verb is from Medieval Latin pontificātus, past participle of pontificāre “to be an ecclesiastic”; -ate ¹

Example Sentences

When he left the Pentagon, he dedicated himself to pontificating on the abundant sins of the Defense Department — and he was mostly right.

From Salon

But lately, viewers are likely to also see him pontificating on politics, appearing as a talking head on various news programs including NewsNation’s “Cuomo,” Fox News’ “Hannity” and ABC’s “This Week.”

From Los Angeles Times

Early in his pontificate, he made four long-distance trips to the region: to South Korea, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Japan.

From BBC

Francis has made reaching out to migrants a priority of his pontificate and has called for receiving countries, within their means, to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants.

From Seattle Times

He pontificated, and they filed down that sharpness respectfully.

From Salon