sulpician: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialist/Religious term)Formal, Ecclesiastical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “sulpician” mean?
A member of the Society of Saint-Sulpice, a Roman Catholic society of diocesan priests founded in Paris for the purpose of training seminarians.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of the Society of Saint-Sulpice, a Roman Catholic society of diocesan priests founded in Paris for the purpose of training seminarians.
Relating to or characteristic of the Society of Saint-Sulpice, particularly its methods of spiritual formation and seminary education.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is international within Catholic contexts.
Connotations
Connotes a specific, traditional French school of priestly formation and theology, often associated with intellectual rigor and a certain spiritual decorum.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English, limited to theological, historical, and ecclesiastical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “sulpician” in a Sentence
He was a Sulpician.She studied at a Sulpician seminary.The Sulpician method emphasizes...a priest of the Sulpician orderVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sulpician” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The renowned theologian was a Sulpician who taught for decades at Oscott College.
- Several Sulpicians were sent to establish the new seminary in Canada.
American English
- The rector of the seminary is a Sulpician from Baltimore.
- He decided to join the Sulpicians after his ordination.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, and religious studies contexts to describe a specific Catholic society and its pedagogical influence.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used precisely within Catholic ecclesiology and seminary administration to denote affiliation with the Society of Saint-Sulpice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sulpician”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sulpician”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulpician”
- Misspelling as 'Sulpicin', 'Sulpitian', or 'Sulpesian'.
- Using it as a general term for any Catholic teacher.
- Pronouncing the 'c' as /k/ instead of /ʃ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term used almost exclusively within Roman Catholic and academic theological contexts.
Yes, it is commonly used as both a noun (referring to a member) and an adjective (describing something related to the society, e.g., 'Sulpician spirituality').
Their primary mission is the formation and education of diocesan priests through running seminaries and providing spiritual direction.
No. They are a 'Society of Apostolic Life' composed of diocesan priests who live in community but do not take religious vows like monks. Their focus is on the diocesan priesthood and seminary education.
A member of the Society of Saint-Sulpice, a Roman Catholic society of diocesan priests founded in Paris for the purpose of training seminarians.
Sulpician is usually formal, ecclesiastical, academic in register.
Sulpician: in British English it is pronounced /sʌlˈpɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /sʌlˈpɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SU(L)P (soup) served at a seminary by a priest from Saint-Sulpice - it's 'Sulpician' soup for the soul.
Conceptual Metaphor
The term itself is a metonym, using the location (Saint-Sulpice parish in Paris) to represent the entire society and its characteristics.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Sulpician' primarily associated with?