Meaning & use
titulary
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a nounformalrare
Relating to a title, especially an official title or the person who holds it.
Grammar: Used before a noun: a titulary bishop, titulary rights.
Patterns
- titulary + noun
The old documents described the titulary powers of the duke.
In some churches, a titulary bishop has a title but no active diocese.
The ceremony confirmed his titulary rank within the order.
nouncountableformalrare
A person who holds a title, especially an official or honorary one.
Grammar: Countable; plural is titularies. Often used in historical or religious contexts.
Patterns
- a titulary of something
The titularies gathered for the annual assembly.
He was listed among the titularies of the province.
The role of the titulary was largely ceremonial.
Word forms
| plural | titularies |
|---|
Common combinations
- titulary bishop
- A titulary bishop may serve in a church without leading a diocese.
- titulary rights
- The family claimed titulary rights over the estate.
- titulary rank
- His titulary rank was higher than his actual authority.
- titulary office
- The titulary office had existed for centuries.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- title noun
- A name that describes someone's position or rank.
- titled adjective
- Having a title, especially a noble one.
Commonly confused: titulary or titular?
titulary vs titular
Titular is common and means 'in name only' or 'having a title'. Titulary is rare and means 'relating to a title'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'titulary' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Titulary is an adjective meaning 'relating to a title' and is used before a noun like 'bishop'. Option A uses 'titulary' where 'titular' is needed. Option C uses it as a preposition, and option D uses it as an adverb, which is wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “titulary”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.