papal states: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Historical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “papal states” mean?
A group of territories in central Italy historically governed by the Pope as a temporal sovereign.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of territories in central Italy historically governed by the Pope as a temporal sovereign.
The lands under the direct temporal rule of the papacy from the 8th century until their annexation by the Kingdom of Italy in 1870.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Historical, Catholic, pre-unification Italy, temporal power.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, appearing almost exclusively in historical or religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “papal states” in a Sentence
the Papal States + past tense verb (were, fell, ended)in + the Papal Statesof + the Papal StatesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “papal states” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The kingdom annexed the Papal States.
- Garibaldi's forces threatened the Papal States.
American English
- The revolutionaries sought to dissolve the Papal States.
- The treaty guaranteed the Papal States.
adverb
British English
- The region was ruled Papal States-style for centuries.
- He governed Papal States-like, with religious authority.
American English
- The administration operated Papal States-fashion.
- It was a uniquely Papal States-governed area.
adjective
British English
- The Papal States' army was defeated.
- A Papal States passport was required.
American English
- The Papal States government collapsed.
- Papal States territory was reduced.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
N/A
Academic
Common in historical, religious studies, and political science texts discussing the unification of Italy or the temporal power of the papacy.
Everyday
Rare, except in discussions of Italian history or Vatican history.
Technical
Used precisely in historiography to denote the specific territories and period of papal temporal rule.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “papal states”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “papal states”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “papal states”
- Using singular 'Papal State' (incorrect).
- Confusing with Vatican City (the modern, much smaller successor state).
- Misspelling as 'Pope States'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They existed in various forms from around the 8th century until their full annexation by the Kingdom of Italy was completed in 1870.
No. Vatican City is the modern, independent city-state established in 1929. The Papal States were a much larger collection of territories across central Italy that ceased to exist in the 19th century.
Rome served as the capital of the Papal States.
They are called 'Papal' because they were under the direct sovereign temporal rule of the Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
A group of territories in central Italy historically governed by the Pope as a temporal sovereign.
Papal states is usually academic, historical, formal in register.
Papal states: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpeɪpəl ˈsteɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpeɪpəl ˈsteɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The legacy of the Papal States...”
- “The shadow of the Papal States...”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PAPAL STATES: Popes Are Politically Absolute Leaders, Spanning Territories And Temporal Estates.
Conceptual Metaphor
A historical anchor; the temporal body of the Church.
Practice
Quiz
What best describes the Papal States?