anointed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Religious / Figurative
Quick answer
What does “anointed” mean?
To have officially chosen someone for an important job or role, often through a religious ceremony involving the application of oil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To have officially chosen someone for an important job or role, often through a religious ceremony involving the application of oil.
Chosen, designated, or set apart for a special purpose, function, or destiny, often with an implication of divine or formal sanction. Also used metaphorically to describe someone perceived as a successor or a favored individual.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The figurative/political use is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is religious/historical. The figurative use can carry a slightly ironic or critical tone when questioning the legitimacy of the 'anointing' process.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation, but stable in religious, historical, and journalistic contexts. Similar frequency in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “anointed” in a Sentence
be anointed + [as] + NP (He was anointed as king)be anointed + NP (He was anointed king)anoint + NP + with + NP (They anointed him with sacred oil)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anointed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The priest will anoint the child with chrism during the ceremony.
- He was anointed monarch in a lavish Westminster ritual.
American English
- The preacher anointed the parishioner's forehead with oil.
- The party elders anointed her as their next presidential candidate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear metaphorically in leadership literature: 'The board anointed her as the new CEO.'
Academic
Common in religious studies, history, and literature departments to describe ritual acts or chosen figures.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used figuratively and humorously: 'Mum's anointed you as the designated driver.'
Technical
Specific to theological and historical discourse describing ritual practices (e.g., anointing the sick).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anointed”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anointed”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anointed”
- Confusing 'anointed' with 'annointed' (double 'n' is incorrect). Using it in overly casual contexts where 'chosen' or 'picked' is more natural. Incorrect preposition: 'anointed to be king' (less common) vs. 'anointed king' or 'anointed as king'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin and primary use are religious/historical (referring to a ritual with oil), it is very commonly used in a secular, figurative sense to mean 'formally or officially chosen as a successor'.
'Appointed' is a neutral, administrative term (e.g., appointed to a committee). 'Anointed' implies a ceremonial, legitimising process, often with a sense of destiny or high authority, and is used in more elevated or metaphorical contexts.
Yes, but less frequently. The verb is 'to anoint'. For example, 'The committee will anoint a new chairperson.' However, the past participle 'anointed' is more frequently encountered as an adjective.
It comes from the Latin 'inungere' meaning 'to smear on'. The 'oint' is related to 'ointment'—a substance smeared on the skin. So, to anoint literally means to apply ointment/oil in a ritual manner.
To have officially chosen someone for an important job or role, often through a religious ceremony involving the application of oil.
Anointed is usually formal / religious / figurative in register.
Anointed: in British English it is pronounced /əˈnɔɪntɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnɔɪnt̬ɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the anointed one”
- “anoint a successor”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a royal OFFICIAL pouring scented OINTMENT on the head of the newly chosen king. The words 'anointed', 'official', and 'ointment' are connected.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A SACRED SUBSTANCE (oil) TRANSFERRED TO A PERSON. SUCCESSION IS A RELIGIOUS RITE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'anointed' LEAST appropriate?