Priestlike

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Resembling or characteristic of a member of a religious order in manner, appearance, or demeanor
2. Having a demeanor or appearance that evokes the characteristics commonly associated with religious leaders, including behavior and attitude
3. Exhibiting qualities or traits typical of a clergy member, such as moral authority, solemnity, or spiritual leadership

Etymology: "Priestlike" is a plain compound: "priest" with the suffix "-like," which attaches to nouns to mean "resembling or having the qualities of" the thing named. English builds such adjectives freely, so "priestlike" describes someone who behaves the way a clergy member is expected to, with a grave, composed, or morally authoritative manner, rather than denoting any literal priest. The base word "priest" has a longer story. It descends from Old English "preost," which came from late Latin "presbyter," itself borrowed from Greek "presbýteros," meaning "elder." The Greek sense of age and seniority lies behind the clerical title, which is why an elder in a community and a priest in a church share a common ancestor.

Synonyms: clerical, sacerdotal, religious, spiritual, holy

Antonyms: secular, profane, irreligious, worldly, nonspiritual