anoint
C1Formal, Literary, Religious, Figurative
Definition
Meaning
To ceremonially apply oil or liquid (often perfumed) to someone or something as a sacred ritual, signifying consecration, blessing, healing, or initiation.
To formally choose or appoint someone to an important position, often with a sense of divine favour, authority, or special purpose.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word primarily retains its literal religious/historical meaning. Its figurative use ('appoint') implies a formal, often public, designation with authority or privilege. It often suggests a destiny or role that appears pre-ordained or divinely approved.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. The pronunciation varies slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong religious or formal ceremonial connotations. The figurative use is slightly more common in political/journalistic contexts (e.g., 'anointed successor').
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, primarily used in religious, literary, or formal journalistic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] anoint [Object] (e.g., The priest anointed the sick.)[Subject] anoint [Object] with [Substance] (e.g., She anointed him with myrrh.)[Subject] anoint [Object] as [Role] (e.g., The council anointed him as their champion.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The anointed one (a messianic or specially chosen figure)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. If used, highly figurative: 'The board anointed her as the future CEO after years of mentorship.'
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and literary studies to describe ritual practices or the concept of divinely sanctioned rule (e.g., the divine right of kings).
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation. Might be encountered in news about royalty or political succession.
Technical
Used in liturgical contexts (theology, religious studies) and historical descriptions of coronation or healing rituals.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The Archbishop will anoint the new monarch with holy oil at the coronation.
- In the biblical story, Samuel was sent to anoint David as the future king.
- The healer anointed the wound with a fragrant herbal balm.
American English
- The media has all but anointed her as the party's presidential nominee.
- According to tradition, the high priest would anoint the altar.
- He felt anointed for a special purpose after the vision.
adjective
British English
- The anointed sovereign ascended the throne.
- They awaited the arrival of the anointed one, the prophesied leader.
American English
- As the anointed successor, he had the full backing of the outgoing CEO.
- The anointed relics were kept in a special shrine.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The priest anointed the baby's head during the ceremony.
- In the story, the old wizard anointed the young hero as the chosen one.
- Before the coronation, the queen was ceremonially anointed with oil.
- The party elders have effectively anointed him as their next candidate for prime minister.
- The concept of the 'anointed king' was central to the medieval doctrine of divine right.
- Critics accused the press of anointing the untested politician as a saviour long before the election.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AN OINTment is rubbed on; to ANOINT is to rub sacred oil ON someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY/STATUS IS A SUBSTANCE APPLIED TO A PERSON (e.g., 'He was anointed with the authority to lead.'). DESTINY/ROLE IS A MARK PLACED UPON SOMEONE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'назначить' (to appoint) for all contexts. 'Anoint' is much more specific and ceremonial. The Russian verb 'помазать' captures the literal action but is archaic; 'освящать' (to consecrate) is closer in religious spirit. The figurative 'anoint' might be translated as 'возвести в сан' or 'предназначить'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a simple synonym for 'choose' or 'nominate' without the formal/ceremonial connotation (e.g., 'They anointed him team captain' is too strong for a sports team).
- Misspelling as 'annoint' (double 'n').
- Confusing with 'annoy' due to similar sound.
Practice
Quiz
In a modern political context, what does it mean to 'anoint a successor'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Appoint' is a neutral, administrative term for assigning a role. 'Anoint' is ceremonial, formal, and implies a sacred, special, or highly authoritative designation, often with public ceremony or a sense of destiny.
Yes, but it remains figurative and formal. It's common in politics/media (e.g., 'the anointed successor') or sports commentary to describe someone pre-selected for a top role, carrying a hint of uncritical favouritism.
Yes, 'the Anointed' or 'the Anointed One' is a capitalised title, often referring to the Messiah in Judeo-Christian tradition or any prophesied liberator.
Historically and literally, yes, it involves an oily or perfumed substance. Figuratively, the 'oil' is metaphorical, representing authority, blessing, or status.
Explore