celestine v: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic / Historical / Literary
Quick answer
What does “celestine v” mean?
The name of a 13th-century pope (Pietro da Morrone) known for his asceticism and voluntary resignation from the papacy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name of a 13th-century pope (Pietro da Morrone) known for his asceticism and voluntary resignation from the papacy.
A historical and religious figure referenced in discussions of papal history, hermit saints, or allusions to voluntary renunciation of power.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical; it is a historical proper name.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: historical, religious, scholarly. British texts may have slightly more familiarity due to Dante's prominence in European literary tradition.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Slightly more likely in academic/historical writing than in speech.
Grammar
How to Use “celestine v” in a Sentence
[Proper noun] + [verb of action: resigned, abdicated][Reference to] + Celestine V + [prepositional phrase: in history, in the 'Divine Comedy']Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “celestine v” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His Celestine-like retreat from public life was unexpected.
- A Celestine gesture of abdication.
American English
- Her decision had a Celestine quality to it, renouncing the leadership role.
- He made a Celestine move by stepping down.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. A hypothetical analogy: 'His resignation was a Celestine V moment for the company.'
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and literary studies (especially Dantean scholarship).
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in highbrow discussions or historical documentaries.
Technical
Used in historiography and ecclesiastical history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “celestine v”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “celestine v”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “celestine v”
- Pronouncing 'Celestine' with a soft 'c' (/sɪˈlɛstɪn/); the first syllable is stressed and has a /s/ sound.
- Using 'Saint' indiscriminately; he was canonized, so 'Saint Celestine V' is correct, but often he is referred to historically as 'Pope Celestine V'.
- Writing 'Celestine the Fifth' in formal contexts instead of 'Celestine V'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
He was Pope Pietro da Morrone, a hermit elected pope in 1294 who resigned the same year, citing humility and a desire to return to his ascetic life.
Dante places him in the Vestibule of Hell (Canto III) among the opportunists for his 'great refusal' (il gran rifiuto) to fulfil the papal office, though interpretations of this condemnation vary.
No. Celestine V was the first and only pope to choose that name. His immediate successor was Boniface VIII.
Yes. Pietro da Morrone was canonised in 1313, a few years after his death, and is therefore also referred to as Saint Celestine V.
The name of a 13th-century pope (Pietro da Morrone) known for his asceticism and voluntary resignation from the papacy.
Celestine v is usually academic / historical / literary in register.
Celestine v: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛlɪstiːn ðə ˈfɪfθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛləˌstiːn ðə ˈfɪfθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Celestine V decision”
- “To pull a Celestine V (informal, rare) – to voluntarily give up a position of great power.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CELESTIAL' because he sought heavenly purity, and 'V' for 'Voluntarily Vacated' the Vatican.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A SYMBOL OF RENUNCIATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is Celestine V most historically significant for?