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or·dain
 ordain
- pronunciation:
- or
deIn
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
ordained, ordaining, ordains |
| definition 1: |
to proclaim or authorize (a person) to be a Christian priest or minister, or a rabbi, esp. by a formal ceremony.
The bishop will ordain two new priests next month.His family was very proud when he was ordained as a rabbi.- similar words:
- appoint, authorize, frock, induct, install, instate, invest, name
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| definition 2: |
to establish, order, or proclaim, esp. by authoritative decree.
A constitution ordains certain rights.- synonyms:
- decree, proclaim, pronounce
- similar words:
- adjudge, dictate, establish, institute, mandate, order, rule, will
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| definition 3: |
to predestine, as by fate or the wish of a deity.
Believing this tragedy was ordained by God helps him to accept it.- synonyms:
- destine, fate, foreordain, predestine, preordain
- similar words:
- doom, foredoom, predestinate
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| related words: |
anoint, command, impose |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition: |
to give a command or decree.
It will be as God ordains.- synonyms:
- command, decree, direct
- similar words:
- demand, dictate, prescribe, will
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| related words: |
declare |
| derivations: |
ordainable (adj.), ordainment (n.) |
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