sacerdote
priest
noun sah-cher-DOH-teh Rare
Origin: Latin sacerdos, sacerdotis (one who performs sacred rites)
Also means
clergyman
Usage Note
Sacerdote is the formal term for a priest or clergyman across Christian denominations and other religions — broader and more formal than prete (Catholic parish priest, colloquial). The feminine sacerdotessa exists for female religious officiants in non-Catholic contexts. Sacerdote is preferred in official, liturgical, or interreligious contexts.
Examples
"Il sacerdote celebrò la messa davanti ai fedeli."
Natural Translation
The priest celebrated mass before the faithful.
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