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Meaning & use

clergy

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˈklɜːdʒi/
US/ˈklɜrdʒi/

Meaning

  1. nounplural

    The group of people who are officially appointed to perform religious duties, such as priests, ministers, imams, or rabbis.

    Grammar: Collective noun; usually takes a plural verb: 'The clergy are divided on this issue.'

    Patterns

    • the clergy
    • a member of the clergy
    • the local clergy
    • the clergy of a religion

    The clergy gathered for their annual conference.

    She joined the clergy after years of study.

    The clergy of various faiths came together to promote peace.

Common combinations

member of the clergy
He is a member of the clergy in the Anglican Church.
the local clergy
The local clergy organized a charity drive.
the clergy and laity
The decision was made by both the clergy and the laity.
ordained clergy
Only ordained clergy can perform the sacrament.

Synonyms and how they differ

ministry
Often refers to the profession or work of religious leaders rather than the group itself.
priesthood
Specifically the office or body of priests, not all religious leaders.

Opposites

laity

Word family

clergyman noun
A male member of the clergy.
clergywoman noun
A female member of the clergy.
clerical adjective
Relating to the clergy or their work.
cleric noun
A member of the clergy, especially in formal use.

Commonly confused: clergy or clergy vs. laity?

clergy vs clergy vs. laity

'Clergy' are the religious leaders; 'laity' are the ordinary members of a religious group who are not clergy.

Practice

The ____ are meeting to discuss the new policy.

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