bishopric: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “bishopric” mean?
The office, rank, or jurisdiction of a bishop.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The office, rank, or jurisdiction of a bishop.
The district or diocese under a bishop's control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. More likely to be encountered in British texts due to the established state church structure.
Connotations
Connotes traditional church hierarchy, historical and institutional authority.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but slightly higher in UK due to historical and constitutional context.
Grammar
How to Use “bishopric” in a Sentence
the bishopric of [Place Name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and medieval history contexts.
Everyday
Very rarely used; limited to discussions of church history or hierarchy.
Technical
Standard term in ecclesiology (study of church organization) and canon law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bishopric”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bishopric”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bishopric”
- Using 'bishopric' to refer to the physical residence of a bishop (that is a 'bishop's palace' or 'see house').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, they are largely synonymous. Strictly, 'bishopric' emphasizes the office and authority of the bishop, while 'diocese' emphasizes the geographical district.
Yes, it is a specifically Christian, and predominantly Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox, ecclesiastical term.
No. The bishop's staff is called a 'crosier' or 'pastoral staff'. 'Bishopric' refers to the office or area.
It is not archaic, but it is a formal, specialist term. It is still the correct term in ecclesiastical and historical contexts.
The office, rank, or jurisdiction of a bishop.
Bishopric is usually formal, ecclesiastical in register.
Bishopric: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪʃəprɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪʃəprɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A bishop's RIChes (ric = realm/kingdom in Old English) is his diocese.'
Conceptual Metaphor
OFFICE AS TERRITORY (The abstract role is conceptualised as a physical area of control).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'bishopric'?