what does pontificate mean?

Answer 1

The Pope is called Pontifix from latin Ponte+fix(the one who fixes bridges). I think it was a roman title, that was attributed to the Pope for building bridges between people and God. So Pontificate means being a Pope or the time while someone is a Pope or the jurisdiction of the Pope etc.

Answer 2

Pontificate Meaning

Answer 3

The four definitions from the Random House Webster's Unabridged dictionary are:

1. the office or term of office of a pontiff. (The Pope)
–v.i.
2. to perform the office or duties of a pontiff.
3. to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner: Ex: Did he pontificate about the responsibilities of a good citizen?
4. to serve as a bishop, esp. in a Pontifical Mass.

I think definition #3 is the one mostly commonly seen and heard.

Answer 4

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RE:
what does pontificate mean?

Answer 5

It's an originally Latin word meaning, essentially, "bridge-maker" used to describe an individual bridging the way from man to God, however the meaning has changed over the years. Nowadays it means "to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner".

How it came about this meaning is from the Catholic church's Pontiffs, or high priests, who would use flamboyant dialogue to speak to the congregation. While its original meaning was a positive one, the word now implies arrogance and generally has a negative connotation.

Answer 6

pontificate = to pronounce one's opinion pompously and arrogantly.

Answer 7

To stand before a crowd and deliver a lengthy speech, in the manner of the pope.

Answer 8

It means to speak or behave with pompous authority or dogmatism.