secular tertiaries: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Ecclesiastical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “secular tertiaries” mean?
Lay members of a Catholic religious order (especially Franciscan, Dominican, or Carmelite) who live in the world according to a rule of life, without taking formal vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Lay members of a Catholic religious order (especially Franciscan, Dominican, or Carmelite) who live in the world according to a rule of life, without taking formal vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
A person affiliated with a religious order in a non-monastic, worldly capacity, pursuing spiritual goals while maintaining a secular profession and family life. Historically, the term can also refer to the third order of certain religious communities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'practise' vs. 'practice' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical. Carries connotations of formal religious affiliation, lay spirituality, and historical tradition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined to theological, historical, or specific Catholic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “secular tertiaries” in a Sentence
[Religious Order] + secular tertiaries (e.g., The Franciscan secular tertiaries)secular tertiaries + [of/from] + [Order/Place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secular tertiaries” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was professed as a secular tertiary.
- They are discerning whether to join the secular tertiaries.
American English
- She professed her promises as a secular tertiary.
- Many secular tertiaries live out their commitment quietly.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb form.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The secular tertiary life requires discipline.
- She attended a secular tertiary chapter meeting.
American English
- He follows a secular tertiary rule.
- Their secular tertiary formation lasted three years.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, and religious studies papers discussing lay movements in Christianity.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of specific Catholic communities.
Technical
A precise term in Catholic canon law and the constitutions of religious orders.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secular tertiaries”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secular tertiaries”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secular tertiaries”
- Using 'tertiary' as an adjective for third-level education in this context (e.g., 'secular tertiary education'). Confusing it with 'secular clergy' (diocesan priests). Using singular 'secular tertiary' incorrectly for an individual (correct: 'a secular tertiary' is possible but 'a member of the secular tertiaries' is better).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Nuns and monks are 'religious' who live in community and take solemn vows. Secular tertiaries are 'laity' who live in the world, often with families and jobs, and make promises (not solemn vows) according to a simpler rule.
Yes, that is typical. Marriage and family life are compatible with being a secular tertiary, unlike for those in monastic or religious orders who take a vow of celibacy.
Historically, 'religious tertiaries' lived in community under vows (like semi-monastics), while 'secular tertiaries' lived in their own homes. Today, 'secular tertiaries' is the common term for the non-monastic third order.
No. It is specific to Catholic (and some Anglican) religious orders, particularly the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Carmelites. It is not used in general Protestant or secular contexts.
Lay members of a Catholic religious order (especially Franciscan, Dominican, or Carmelite) who live in the world according to a rule of life, without taking formal vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Secular tertiaries is usually formal, ecclesiastical, academic in register.
Secular tertiaries: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkjʊlə ˈtɜːʃəriz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkjələr ˈtɜːrʃiˌɛriz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be in the world but not of it (conceptual phrase associated with their vocation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SECular' means 'of the world'. 'TERTiary' means 'third'. They are the THIRD order (after monks/nuns and friars) who live in the SECular world.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGE or LINK: Conceptualised as a bridge between the monastic life and the secular world.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of secular tertiaries?