How Do You Spell PONTIFICATE?

Pronunciation: [pəntˈɪfɪkˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "pontificate" is spelled with 11 letters and 4 syllables. It is pronounced /ˌpɒn.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪt/ (pon-ti-fi-kayt) in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is emphasized and is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by the "n" consonant. The second and third syllables are pronounced with a short "i" sound and the fourth syllable has a long "a" sound followed by the "t" consonant. The word means to speak or behave in a pompous or dogmatic way, especially as someone in authority.

PONTIFICATE Meaning and Definition

  1. The verb "pontificate" is commonly defined as the act of speaking or expressing opinions in a forceful, self-assured, and authoritative manner, often without considering or allowing for contrary viewpoints. It typically involves acting as an authoritative figure, whether one possesses actual authority or not, and speaking with a perceived sense of superiority in order to assert one's own knowledge or expertise.

    "Pontificate" is often associated with a tone of arrogance or condescension, as individuals who pontificate often believe that their opinions or ideas are more valid or important than others'. It implies a sense of talking down to others, disregarding their perspectives, and failing to engage in meaningful dialogue or conversation.

    Furthermore, "pontificate" is commonly used to describe the behavior of individuals who give unsolicited advice or assert themselves as the ultimate authority on a particular subject matter. It is often associated with verbosity, pomposity, or an inclination to deliver lengthy monologues devoid of meaningful interaction.

    In summary, to "pontificate" is to speak assertively, with an air of authority and self-assurance, while often disregarding opposing viewpoints or the potential for meaningful conversation. While there may be instances where pontification is appropriate, it often carries negative connotations of arrogance and a lack of consideration for others' perspectives.

  2. • The office or dignity of a high priest or of the Pope; the reign of a Pope.
    • To exercise solemn priestly functions with full ceremonial, said of the higher dignitaries of the R. Cath. Ch., as "to pontificate at high mass.".

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PONTIFICATE

Etymology of PONTIFICATE

The word "pontificate" has its roots in Latin. It derives from the Latin word "pontificatus", which is the past participle of "pontificare". "Pontificare" itself is a verb that comes from two Latin elements: "pontifex", meaning "one who bridges" or "bridge-maker", and the suffix "-facere", meaning "to make". "Pontifex" is a combination of "pont-" which means "bridge" and "-fex", which comes from "facere" and means "maker" or "doer". In ancient Rome, a "pontifex" was a title given to someone who performed religious and ceremonial duties, particularly related to bridges and bridges between humans and deities.

Idioms with the word PONTIFICATE

  • pontificate on sth The idiom "pontificate on sth" means to express one's opinions or views on a particular topic in a pompous, self-important, or authoritative manner. It refers to someone speaking in a manner that implies they believe their views are superior or more informed than others.

Similar spelling words for PONTIFICATE

Plural form of PONTIFICATE is PONTIFICATES

Conjugate verb Pontificate

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have pontificated
you would have pontificated
he/she/it would have pontificated
we would have pontificated
they would have pontificated

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been pontificating
you would have been pontificating
he/she/it would have been pontificating
we would have been pontificating
they would have been pontificating

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would pontificate
you would pontificate
he/she/it would pontificate
we would pontificate
they would pontificate

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be pontificating
you would be pontificating
he/she/it would be pontificating
we would be pontificating
they would be pontificating

FUTURE

I will pontificate
you will pontificate
he/she/it will pontificate
we will pontificate
they will pontificate

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be pontificating
you will be pontificating
he/she/it will be pontificating
we will be pontificating
they will be pontificating

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have pontificated
you will have pontificated
he/she/it will have pontificated
we will have pontificated
they will have pontificated

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been pontificating
you will have been pontificating
he/she/it will have been pontificating
we will have been pontificating
they will have been pontificating

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s pontificate

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was pontificating
you were pontificating
he/she/it was pontificating
we were pontificating
they were pontificating

PAST PARTICIPLE

pontificated

PAST PERFECT

I had pontificated
you had pontificated
he/she/it had pontificated
we had pontificated
they had pontificated

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been pontificating
you had been pontificating
he/she/it had been pontificating
we had been pontificating
they had been pontificating

PRESENT

I pontificate
you pontificate
he/she/it pontificates
we pontificate
they pontificate

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am pontificating
you are pontificating
he/she/it is pontificating
we are pontificating
they are pontificating

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

pontificating

PRESENT PERFECT

I have pontificated
you have pontificated
he/she/it has pontificated
we have pontificated
they have pontificated

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been pontificating
you have been pontificating
he/she/it has been pontificating
we have been pontificating
they have been pontificating

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it pontificate

SIMPLE PAST

I pontificated
you pontificated
he/she/it pontificated
we pontificated
they pontificated

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