APOSTOLIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does apostolic mean? 

• APOSTOLIC (adjective)
  The adjective APOSTOLIC has 2 senses:

1. of or relating to or deriving from the Apostles or their teachings

2. proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles

  Familiarity information: APOSTOLIC used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• APOSTOLIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to or deriving from the Apostles or their teachings

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

apostolic; apostolical

Pertainym:

Apostle ((New Testament) one of the original 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel)

Derivation:

Apostle ((New Testament) one of the original 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel)

Apostle (any important early teacher of Christianity or a Christian missionary to a people)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

apostolic; apostolical; papal; pontifical

Context example:

papal dispensation

Pertainym:

pope (the head of the Roman Catholic Church)

 Context examples 

Dr. Shlessinger’s remarkable personality, his whole hearted devotion, and the fact that he was recovering from a disease contracted in the exercise of his apostolic duties affected her deeply.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)