college of cardinals: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, religious, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “college of cardinals” mean?
The formal assembly of all cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, which elects the Pope.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The formal assembly of all cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, which elects the Pope.
The collective body of cardinals, considered as the principal administrative and electoral body of the Roman Catholic Church, often referenced metonymically for its function or deliberations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning. Both varieties treat it as a formal proper noun.
Connotations
Carries the same historical, religious, and formal connotations in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, appearing primarily in religious and news contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “college of cardinals” in a Sentence
The College of Cardinals + verb (elects, meets, votes)a member of the College of CardinalsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “college of cardinals” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cardinals will convene as a College.
- The College is expected to vote next week.
American English
- The College will meet to elect a new pope.
- The cardinals gathered as a College.
adverb
British English
- The Pope was elected College-unanimously.
American English
- They voted College-style, in strict secrecy.
adjective
British English
- A College of Cardinals meeting is underway.
- The College vote was decisive.
American English
- The College election process is secret.
- College members arrived in Rome.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and theological contexts.
Everyday
Rare, only in discussions of papal elections or major Vatican news.
Technical
Specific term in Catholic ecclesiology and canon law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “college of cardinals”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “college of cardinals”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “college of cardinals”
- Using lowercase ('college of cardinals').
- Treating it as plural ('The College of Cardinals are...' – should be 'is').
- Confusing it with the 'Conclave' (the event/process, not the body).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically singular, as it refers to a single collective body. Use singular verbs: 'The College of Cardinals elects...'
The College of Cardinals is the permanent body of all cardinals. The Conclave is the specific, sealed meeting of cardinals (those under 80) held to elect a Pope.
No. It is a unique, proper noun. You do not use the indefinite article. It is always 'the College of Cardinals'.
Historically, yes. The word 'college' comes from the Latin 'collegium', meaning a society or community of colleagues, which predates its modern educational meaning.
The formal assembly of all cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, which elects the Pope.
College of cardinals is usually formal, religious, journalistic in register.
College of cardinals: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒlɪdʒ əv ˈkɑːdɪnəlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːlɪdʒ əv ˈkɑːrdɪnəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “enter the conclave (refers to the College's electoral function)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a very exclusive 'college' where the only 'students' are the red-robed Cardinals, and their only 'exam' is choosing a new Pope.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GOVERNING BODY IS A SCHOOL (College); ELECTION IS A DELIBERATIVE PROCESS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the College of Cardinals?