The word "Numerary" is pronounced /ˈnjuːmərəri/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of this word can be explained as follows: the first syllable "nu" is pronounced like the word "new," followed by "me" sounding like the word "may," and then "ra" which rhymes with "far." The final syllable "ry" is pronounced like the word "tree." Overall, the spelling of "Numerary" may seem complex, but breaking it down into its individual sounds can help with proper pronunciation.
Numerary is an adjective that describes someone who holds a position in a religious order, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church, and lives a life of poverty and celibacy. Numeraries differ from other members of the religious order by devoting themselves to actively working and supporting the order financially and practically. They do not necessarily engage in religious practices or ministry.
In a broader sense, numerary can also refer to someone who is a permanent or full-time member of an organization, such as a corporation or institution, and is compensated by a fixed salary or stipend. These individuals are typically not shareholders or entitled to profits, but instead draw a regular income. Numeraries may also exist in the form of contract workers who fulfill the responsibilities of a full-time employee without being officially recognized as such, often receiving a fixed payment in return.
The term numerary can also be used in mathematics to describe a quantity that expresses the position or order of a number in a series. It represents a numeral or digit that shows the size or magnitude of a number, its place value, or the order of a term within a sequence. Numeraries are integral elements for various mathematical operations and calculations, serving as essential components in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Overall, numerary encompasses multiple meanings across various contexts, reflecting its significance in religious, organizational, and mathematical domains.
Belonging to a certain number.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "numerary" comes from the Latin word "numerarius", which is derived from "numerus", meaning "number". In Latin, "numerarius" referred to someone who dealt with numbers or counted things, such as an accountant or a clerk. This term evolved to have a more specific meaning in certain religious contexts, and "numerary" started being used in English to refer to a person who is associated with a religious order or community but does not take religious vows and lives a lay life while supporting the work and spirituality of the religious organization.