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ordain

or·dain

ordain

 
 
pronunciation:
or deIn
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: ordains, ordaining, ordained
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.The church ordained her a Minister of the Gospel.[verb + smby/smth + noun/adj ]
similar words:
appoint, authorize, frock, induct, install, instate, invest, name
definition 2: to establish, order, or proclaim, esp. by authoritative decree.
A constitution ordains certain rights.The city authorities ordained that the asylum be closed down.[verb + (that) + subjunctive clause ]
synonyms:
decree, proclaim, pronounce
similar words:
adjudge, dictate, establish, institute, mandate, order, rule, will
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
 
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
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: ordainable (adj.), ordainment (n.)
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