antipope: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareHistorical, Formal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “antipope” mean?
A person who makes a widely accepted but false claim to be the legitimate pope in opposition to the pope canonically recognized by the Catholic Church.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who makes a widely accepted but false claim to be the legitimate pope in opposition to the pope canonically recognized by the Catholic Church.
A historical figure, particularly during periods of schism, who claims the papal office in opposition to the established pontiff, often supported by a faction of cardinals or secular rulers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation and spelling are identical.
Connotations
Carries identical historical and theological connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both British and American English, used primarily in historical or theological discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “antipope” in a Sentence
(The/An) antipope [verb] ...[Historical Figure] was considered an antipope.The period saw several antipopes.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antipope” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The antipapal forces rallied behind their candidate.
- This led to an antipapal schism.
American English
- The antipapal faction convened in Avignon.
- He issued antipapal decrees.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and medieval history contexts to describe periods of papal schism (e.g., the Western Schism).
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A precise term in ecclesiastical history and Catholic theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antipope”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antipope”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antipope”
- Using it to describe any critic of the Pope.
- Using it as a general term for a rebellious religious leader in other faiths.
- Capitalizing it when not starting a sentence ('antipope' is a common noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Catholic Church historically and retroactively considers antipopes to be illegitimate claimants. They are not included in the official papal lists.
Estimates vary by historian, but there are between 35 and 40 individuals generally classified as antipopes throughout history, mainly during the early medieval period and the 14th-15th century Western Schism.
A schism is a formal split or division within the Church. An antipope is a specific person who emerges as a rival papal claimant during such a schism. The existence of an antipope is a common result of a major schism.
It is extremely rare. The term is almost exclusively used in historical analysis. Modern breakaway groups that elect a rival pontiff (e.g., sedevacantist groups) might be described by observers as having an antipope, but the term remains tied to historical precedent.
A person who makes a widely accepted but false claim to be the legitimate pope in opposition to the pope canonically recognized by the Catholic Church.
Antipope is usually historical, formal, academic, theological in register.
Antipope: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæntɪpəʊp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæntiˌpoʊp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTI (against) + POPE. A person set AGAINST the recognized POPE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FALSE KING in a spiritual kingdom; a USURPER of the highest religious throne.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best defines an 'antipope'?