episcopalian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, religious
Quick answer
What does “episcopalian” mean?
Relating to a church governed by bishops or to the principle of church government by bishops (episcopacy).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to a church governed by bishops or to the principle of church government by bishops (episcopacy).
Specifically, a member or adherent of the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Christian denomination in the United States and some other countries. Can also refer more generally to a supporter of episcopal church polity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Anglican' is the standard term for the national church (Church of England). 'Episcopalian' is used primarily for Scottish, US, and other non-English Anglican churches. In the US, 'Episcopalian' is the standard term for a member of the Episcopal Church.
Connotations
In the US, it specifically denotes a member of a mainstream, often historically establishment, Protestant denomination. In the UK, it can sound slightly technical or refer to churches outside the Church of England.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English due to the name of the denomination. In British English, 'Anglican' is vastly more common.
Grammar
How to Use “episcopalian” in a Sentence
[be/become/identify as] + EpiscopalianEpiscopalian + [noun (e.g., theology, polity)]of + Episcopalian + [origin/persuasion]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “episcopalian” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The episcopalian polity of the Scottish church differs from the English model.
American English
- She comes from a long-standing Episcopalian family in Boston.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and history to discuss church governance and denominations.
Everyday
Used in biographical details or discussions of religious affiliation, primarily in the US.
Technical
Used in ecclesiology to denote a specific polity (episcopal) or a member of a church maintaining apostolic succession through bishops.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “episcopalian”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “episcopalian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “episcopalian”
- Incorrectly using lowercase for the denominational name: 'He is an episcopalian' (should be 'Episcopalian' when referring to the US church).
- Confusing 'Episcopalian' (the noun/adjective for the person/church) with 'episcopal' (the general adjective meaning 'of a bishop or bishops').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Episcopal' is an adjective meaning 'of or relating to a bishop or bishops.' 'Episcopalian' is primarily a noun (or adjective derived from it) referring to a member or aspect of the Episcopal Church.
In the US, the Episcopal Church is a member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. So, all US Episcopalians are Anglicans, but not all Anglicans (e.g., Church of England members) are called Episcopalian.
It is capitalized when referring specifically to the Episcopal Church and its members (a proper noun). It can be in lowercase when used as a general adjective meaning 'pertaining to church government by bishops' (e.g., 'episcopalian polity').
Adherence to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church, which includes governance by bishops in the apostolic succession, use of the Book of Common Prayer, and membership in the Anglican Communion.
Relating to a church governed by bishops or to the principle of church government by bishops (episcopacy).
Episcopalian is usually formal, religious in register.
Episcopalian: in British English it is pronounced /ɪˌpɪskəˈpeɪlɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌpɪskəˈpeɪliən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bishop's PAL. An Episcopalian is connected to the bishop (episcopus in Latin) as a pal or supporter.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS VERTICALITY (Episcopal structure is seen as a top-down hierarchy from bishops).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the term 'Episcopalian' most commonly used to refer to the national Anglican church?