high priest: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal, historical, figurative
Quick answer
What does “high priest” mean?
The chief male religious leader, especially in ancient Jewish tradition, in charge of temple rites and acting as intermediary between God and the people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The chief male religious leader, especially in ancient Jewish tradition, in charge of temple rites and acting as intermediary between God and the people.
The leading figure or foremost expert in a particular movement, theory, or field; someone regarded as having supreme authority on a subject.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. British English may be slightly more likely to use the hyphenated form 'high-priest' in figurative contexts, but both forms are found in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. The figurative use is common in cultural commentary in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “high priest” in a Sentence
[the] high priest of [field/movement] (figurative)[the] high priest [verb: served/was/acted]high priest to the [community/people]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high priest” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She held a high-priestly authority in the community.
- The ceremony had a high-priestly solemnity.
American English
- She held a high-priestly authority in the community.
- The ceremony had a high-priestly solemnity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used literally. Figuratively: 'He is considered the high priest of supply chain management.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, and cultural criticism. 'The role of the Jewish high priest in the Second Temple period.'
Everyday
Almost exclusively figurative in modern conversation. 'My uncle is the high priest of barbecue in our family.'
Technical
Specific term in theology, anthropology, and history of religion.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high priest”
- Using 'high priest' for any priest (it's specifically the chief one). Confusing with 'archbishop' (Christian context vs. Jewish/pagan). Incorrect plural: 'high priests' is correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically and literally, yes, as the role was male. Figuratively, it can be applied to anyone, though it remains more common for men. Terms like 'high priestess' exist for specific female contexts.
'Pope' is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. 'High priest' is a more generic term for the chief religious official in various traditions, most famously in ancient Judaism.
When used as a specific title (e.g., 'the High Priest Caiaphas'), it is often capitalized. In general figurative use, it is usually not capitalized ('the high priest of punk').
Yes, especially in figurative use. It can imply someone is dogmatic, elitist, or the leader of a cult-like following, e.g., 'the high priest of a dubious economic theory.'
The chief male religious leader, especially in ancient Jewish tradition, in charge of temple rites and acting as intermediary between God and the people.
High priest is usually formal, historical, figurative in register.
High priest: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈpriːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈpriːst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “high priest of (something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think HIGH = top position, PRIEST = religious leader. The 'highest' priest.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS HIERARCHY IS A SOURCE OF AUTHORITY IN OTHER DOMAINS (e.g., 'high priest of finance').
Practice
Quiz
In its original, literal sense, 'high priest' primarily refers to a figure in which tradition?