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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