simoniac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, historical, literary, religious (chiefly Christian contexts)
Quick answer
What does “simoniac” mean?
A person who commits simony.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who commits simony; someone who buys or sells church offices or sacred things.
In broader usage, can refer to someone who seeks to obtain a position of spiritual or moral authority through corrupt or monetary means, or any person engaging in the purchase of intangible privileges (e.g., political appointments) perceived as sacred or high-status.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of ecclesiastical corruption and historical/theological transgression.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British texts due to the historical establishment of the Church of England and its literature on clerical abuses.
Grammar
How to Use “simoniac” in a Sentence
be condemned/labeled/known as a simoniacaccuse [someone] of being a simoniacVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “simoniac” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cleric was found to have simoniacally obtained his benefice.
American English
- He was accused of simoniacally purchasing the pastoral appointment.
adverb
British English
- He acted simoniacally, viewing the bishopric as a mere investment.
American English
- The position was obtained simoniacally, through a substantial 'donation'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Could be metaphorically applied in ethical discussions about buying influence.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and literature papers discussing medieval church corruption.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely require explanation.
Technical
A precise term in church history and canon law.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “simoniac”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈsɪməniæk/ (like 'Simon' + 'iac'). Correct stress is on the second syllable.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'corrupt person' without the specific context of buying/selling spiritual offices or sacred things.
- Confusing with 'simian' (relating to apes).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialized term used almost exclusively in historical or religious academic writing and literature.
While its origin is specifically Christian, it can be applied metaphorically to any context where intangible, high-status, or 'sacred' positions (e.g., academic honors, prestigious awards) are obtained through payment rather than merit.
'Simoniac' is a noun referring to the person who commits simony. 'Simoniacal' is the adjective describing the actions, practices, or nature of such a person (e.g., 'simoniacal practices').
Yes, many medieval popes and bishops were accused of simony. A famous example from literature is Archbishop Antonio in John Marston's play 'The Malcontent' (1603), who is a blatant simoniac.
A person who commits simony.
Simoniac is usually formal, historical, literary, religious (chiefly christian contexts) in register.
Simoniac: in British English it is pronounced /sʌɪˈməʊnɪæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /saɪˈmoʊniˌæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. The concept is embedded in the idiom 'practice simony'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SIMON' wanting to buy miraculous power, and 'MANIAC' for his obsessive, corrupt desire. A SIMON-MANIAC for holy office.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY IS A COMMODITY (to be bought and sold).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining action of a simoniac?