To ordain is a verb that means to officially confer a position or status upon someone. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /təˈɔr.deɪn/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by the stress on the second syllable with the long /o/ sound. The final syllable ends with the long /eɪ/ diphthong. The spelling of this word is relatively straightforward, with the only variation being the inclusion of the letter "i" in some forms, such as "ordination" or "ordained".
To ordain is a verb that generally refers to the act of conferring or granting official authority or status, particularly within a religious or spiritual context. It involves designating or appointing individuals, usually with a formal ceremony, to carry out specific religious or spiritual roles, such as becoming a member of the clergy, a minister, a priest, or a religious leader.
In religious contexts, to ordain is seen as a sacred act and is often recognized as the granting of divine authority. It is considered a solemn ritual that sets apart individuals for a specific religious duty, giving them the power to perform spiritual rites, administer sacraments, guide and lead religious congregations, and provide religious services to believers. This act grants the individual certain rights, responsibilities, and obligations within the religious community they serve.
To ordain often involves an intricate process that may include extensive education or training, the evaluation of one's moral character, the validation of adherence to particular doctrines or teachings, and an assessment of religious knowledge. Depending on the religious tradition or denomination, the process and requirements for ordination may differ.
Beyond religious contexts, the term can also be used more broadly to convey the idea of officially establishing or legitimizing something. It can be applied to situations where someone is authorized, empowered, or formally recognized to carry out a specific role or function, not necessarily limited to religious or spiritual practices.
The word "ordain" originated from the Old French term "ordeiner", which came from the Latin word "ordinare". In Latin, "ordinare" means "to arrange, organize, or appoint". The English word "ordain" was first recorded in the 13th century and initially meant "to appoint someone to a position", specifically in a religious context. Over time, its meaning broadened to include the act of conferring holy orders, or the appointment of clergy members, which is the most common usage today.