coadjutor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, ecclesiastical, literary
Quick answer
What does “coadjutor” mean?
An assistant or helper, especially one appointed to assist a bishop and often designated as successor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An assistant or helper, especially one appointed to assist a bishop and often designated as successor.
Any person who provides significant assistance or support to another, particularly in a role that implies shared responsibility or a designated backup.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical, concentrated in ecclesiastical contexts. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British texts due to the established Anglican hierarchy.
Connotations
Formality, shared authority, succession planning.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. Extremely rare in everyday language.
Grammar
How to Use “coadjutor” in a Sentence
coadjutor to [person/office]coadjutor of [diocese/see]serve/appointed as coadjutorVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. 'Deputy' or 'successor-in-waiting' would be used instead.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or theology papers discussing church hierarchy.
Everyday
Extremely rare and would likely require explanation.
Technical
A formal ecclesiastical title with specific canonical implications in church law.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coadjutor”
- Mispronunciation (e.g., /koʊˈædʒʊtɔːr/).
- Using it as a synonym for any colleague.
- Spelling confusion: 'coadjuter', 'coadjudicator'.
- Using it in informal contexts where 'assistant' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word, almost exclusively used in formal ecclesiastical (church-related) contexts.
It can be used in a broad literary or historical sense to mean 'principal assistant,' but this is rare. In modern secular contexts, words like 'deputy' or 'second-in-command' are always preferred.
A 'coadjutor' typically implies an official appointment, a high level of shared responsibility, and often the specific expectation of succeeding to the full position. An 'assistant' is a more general term without these connotations.
The most common American pronunciation is /ˌkoʊˈædʒətər/ (koh-AJ-uh-ter).
An assistant or helper, especially one appointed to assist a bishop and often designated as successor.
Coadjutor is usually formal, ecclesiastical, literary in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CO-' (together with) + 'ADJUTOR' (like 'adjutant', a military aide). A coadjutor works together with a leader as a designated aide.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHADOW (as in 'shadow cabinet') or an UNDERSTUDY (in theatre).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coadjutor' MOST appropriately used?