missionary apostolic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Ecclesiastical, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “missionary apostolic” mean?
A missionary, typically a Catholic priest or religious figure, who operates under direct authority and mandate from the Pope or the Apostolic See, with the specific purpose of evangelization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A missionary, typically a Catholic priest or religious figure, who operates under direct authority and mandate from the Pope or the Apostolic See, with the specific purpose of evangelization.
In a broader historical or ecclesiastical context, it can refer to a missionary whose work and authority are traced directly to the Apostles, often involved in founding churches in non-Christian regions or under special papal mandate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is consistent in formal Catholic and academic contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of formal ecclesiastical authority, historical missionary activity (e.g., in the Americas, Africa, Asia), and a specific canonical status within the Catholic Church.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Exclusively found in religious, historical, or theological texts and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “missionary apostolic” in a Sentence
[Missionary Apostolic] + [verb: was, served, traveled, founded][Title/Role: He was] + [missionary apostolic] + [prepositional phrase: to/in...]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “missionary apostolic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He held the missionary apostolic title for over a decade.
American English
- The missionary apostolic mandate was renewed by the Vatican.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and religious studies texts discussing Catholic missions and ecclesiology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A technical term within Catholic canon law and missionary history denoting a specific ecclesiastical office and mandate.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “missionary apostolic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “missionary apostolic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “missionary apostolic”
- Using it as a general synonym for any missionary. Confusing it with the 'Apostolic Fathers' (early Christian writers).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While all missionaries engage in evangelism, a 'missionary apostolic' specifically holds a canonical title and mandate directly from the Pope or the Apostolic See, often for establishing the church in a new area.
Typically no. It is a specifically Catholic ecclesiastical title rooted in Catholic canon law and theology of apostolic succession.
It is a historical and formal canonical term. While the office still exists canonically, the term is rarely encountered outside of specialized historical or theological writing.
'Apostolic' refers to the mission and authority derived from the Apostles (and by extension, the Pope as their successor), not to being an Apostle themselves. It denotes authorization, not personal status.
A missionary, typically a Catholic priest or religious figure, who operates under direct authority and mandate from the Pope or the Apostolic See, with the specific purpose of evangelization.
Missionary apostolic is usually formal, ecclesiastical, historical, academic in register.
Missionary apostolic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪʃ.ən.ri ˌæp.əˈstɒl.ɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪʃ.ə.ner.i ˌæp.əˈstɑː.lɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have an apostolic mandate”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an 'Apostle' sent on a 'Mission' with a direct line to the Pope. Missionary + Apostolic = A Pope-sent Apostle.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN AMBASSADOR IS A MESSENGER (with direct authority from the sovereign).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key defining characteristic of a 'missionary apostolic'?