anticlerical: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Historical, Political
Quick answer
What does “anticlerical” mean?
Opposed to the influence and power of the clergy or organised religion, especially in political affairs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Opposed to the influence and power of the clergy or organised religion, especially in political affairs.
Opposing religious authority, especially that of institutional clergy, and advocating for the separation of church and state; can describe laws, movements, policies, writings, or individuals holding such views.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is more commonly encountered in British English due to historical European context. In American English, 'secularist' or 'separationist' might be more frequent in contemporary political discourse.
Connotations
Conveys a strong historical or ideological stance. In the UK, it might specifically reference historical European conflicts. In the US, it may sound more academic or specifically descriptive of foreign political movements.
Frequency
Low frequency in general usage but stable within historical/political/academic registers.
Grammar
How to Use “anticlerical” in a Sentence
[anticlerical] + [noun: laws, movement, sentiment][be/become] + [anticlerical][adverb: strongly, fiercely, openly] + [anticlerical]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anticlerical” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The government's anticlerical reforms limited the Church's role in education.
- He held fiercely anticlerical views, believing the bishops had too much political sway.
American English
- The anticlerical legislation stripped the church of its property holdings.
- She wrote an anticlerical critique of the institution's historical influence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, political science, and religious studies to describe movements/policies opposing clerical power.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be used only in specific political/historical discussions.
Technical
Used as a precise historical descriptor (e.g., 'the anticlerical provisions of the Mexican Constitution of 1917').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anticlerical”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anticlerical”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anticlerical”
- Using it to mean simply 'non-religious'.
- Confusing it with 'heretical' (believing differently).
- Misspelling as 'anti-clerical' (hyphenated form is less common in modern English).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An atheist denies the existence of God. An anticlerical person opposes the political and social power of the clergy. One can be a religious believer and still be anticlerical.
Yes. You can describe a person, a group, a law, a policy, or a movement as anticlerical (e.g., 'an anticlerical journalist', 'anticlerical protesters').
The most direct opposite is 'clericalist', meaning someone who supports strong clerical influence in political and secular matters.
It is not common in everyday conversation. It is a specialist term used primarily in historical, political, and academic writing to describe specific ideologies and policies.
Opposed to the influence and power of the clergy or organised religion, especially in political affairs.
Anticlerical is usually formal, academic, historical, political in register.
Anticlerical: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæntiˈklerɪk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæntaɪˈklerɪk(ə)l/ˌæn(t)iˈklerɪk(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No common idioms directly associated. Historical phrase: 'anticlerical rage')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTI-CLERICAL = ANTI + CLERGY. You are against the political power of the clergy (priests, bishops, etc.).
Conceptual Metaphor
CHURCH/STATE SEPARATION IS A WALL. Anticlericalism is the force building or defending that wall against clerical intrusion.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'anticlerical' be MOST appropriately used?