sacerdōs
feminine, masculine
The English word priest is translated into Latin as sacerdōs. Wiktionary also lists flāmen and sacrārius.
Meaning: clergyman (clergywoman, clergyperson) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | Note |
|---|---|
| sacerdōs | feminine, masculine |
| flāmen | feminine, masculine |
| sacrārius | masculine |
The term sacerdōs is the most widely recognized way to refer to a priest. It is used in general religious or ritualistic contexts. Because it is tagged as both masculine and feminine, it can refer to a male or female priest depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
While sacerdōs is the general term for a priest, flāmen specifically refers to a priest of a particular Roman deity, such as Jupiter or Mars. The term sacrārius is a masculine form for a priest, and pontifex is another formal term used for a priest.
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form of flāmen is flāminis, which translates to "of the flamen".
Did you know?
- A flāmen was often subject to strict taboos, such as the flāmen dialis being forbidden from touching any other flāmen or seeing a horse.
- The term pontifex literally means 'bridge-builder', a metaphor for a priest acting as a bridge between the human and divine worlds.
- The term sacer inside sacerdōs could mean both 'holy' and 'cursed' or 'forbidden', describing someone set apart from society.
Examples in context
- Populus sacerdotem honorat.The people honor the priest.
- Presbyteri paroeciam curant.The priests care for the parish.
- Sacerdōs novus sacrificium parat.The new priest is preparing a sacrifice.
- Hic sacerdōs magnā cum sapientiā loquitur.This priest speaks with great wisdom.
Example conversation
A woman and a man are talking near a temple entrance.
- AureliaVidesne sacerdōtem ibi stantem?Do you see the priest standing there?
- QuintusIta, sacerdōs magnus est.Yes, the priest is great.
- AureliaPrecaturne sacerdōs deōs?Is the priest praying to the gods?
- QuintusIta, deōs precatur.Yes, he is praying to the gods.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “priest” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
