Pronunciation: [vˈʌlɡe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "vulgate" is spelled phonetically as /ˈvʌlɡeɪt/. The "v" is pronounced as "vuh" and the "u" is pronounced as "uh," followed by a "l" sound. The "g" is then pronounced as a "guh" sound and the "a" as "ay." Finally, the "t" is pronounced as "tuh." The word originates from the Latin Vulgata, meaning "common" or "widespread," and refers to the Latin Bible translation by St. Jerome in the 4th century.
Vulgate refers to a particular version of a text, often pertaining to religious or literary works, that has been widely accepted and recognized as the authoritative or standard edition. The term is commonly associated with the Latin Bible, specifically the translation done by Saint Jerome in the late 4th century known as the "Biblia Vulgata." This Latin translation gained prominence and became the standard version of the Bible for the Western Christian Church, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, for centuries.
More broadly, vulgate can also refer to any universally recognized or widely circulated edition of a literary or written work. It denotes the common or popular variant that has achieved widespread acceptance or authority within a specific context or field. The vulgate can be considered the influential or default version against which other editions or translations are compared, often used as a reference point for accuracy and consistency.
The term "vulgate" may also be used metaphorically to describe ideas, phrases, or expressions that have become widely known or used by the general public, often losing their original subtlety or nuance. In this sense, it signifies the common, widely understood version, lacking the precision or specific meaning that may have existed in its original context or usage.
• An anc. Latin version of the Scriptures used in the R. Cath. Ch. service.
• Pert. to or contained in the vulgate; common.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "vulgate" originates from the Latin term "vulgātus", which means "commonly used" or "widespread". It comes from the verb "vulgare", which means "to make common" or "to make accessible to the people". The adjective form, "vulgaris", refers to something being ordinary or common. In the context of the Bible, the term "Vulgate" is specifically associated with the Latin translation of the Bible, attributed to Saint Jerome in the late 4th century. The name "Vulgate" implies that this translation was intended for the common people to understand, as it was aimed at making the sacred texts accessible to a wider audience.
