cathedral
0 antonyms and opposites of cathedral, grouped by meaning.
Noun — The main church of a diocese, home to a bishop's official seat.
How to use cathedral
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin cathedralis, "of a bishop's chair," from cathedra ("seat, throne"), ultimately from Greek kathedra.
Full origin of cathedral →Frequently asked questions
What does “cathedral” mean?
The word “cathedral” means the main church of a diocese, home to a bishop's official seat. In plain terms, a major church that serves as a bishop's headquarters, or loosely, any grand, imposing building.
How do you pronounce “cathedral”?
“Cathedral” is pronounced kuh-THEED-ruhl (/kəˈθiːdɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “cathedral” in a sentence?
Here is “cathedral” used in a sentence: “Tourists queue for hours to see the stained-glass windows of the cathedral.”
What part of speech is “cathedral”?
“Cathedral” is a noun.
Where does the word “cathedral” come from?
The word “cathedral” comes from Latin. From Latin cathedralis, "of a bishop's chair," from cathedra ("seat, throne"), ultimately from Greek kathedra.
Is “cathedral” a common word?
“Cathedral” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “cathedral” have?
“Cathedral” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the main church of a diocese, home to a bishop's official seat.
What is the difference between a cathedral and a church?
Every cathedral is a church, but not every church is a cathedral. A cathedral is specifically the main church of a diocese and contains the bishop's official seat, while an ordinary church has no such role. Size alone does not make a building a cathedral — a small church can be one if it holds the bishop's seat.
What is the difference between a cathedral and a basilica?
A cathedral is defined by its function: it houses a bishop's seat and serves as the main church of a diocese. A basilica is either an honorary title granted to certain important churches or an architectural form with a long central nave. The two can overlap, so a single building may be both a cathedral and a basilica.
Are cathedrals only Catholic?
No. Any Christian denomination organized into dioceses led by bishops — including Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and some Lutheran churches — has cathedrals. A cathedral is simply the church that holds the bishop's official seat, whatever the denomination.
Can cathedral describe a building that is not a church?
Yes. Cathedral is used figuratively for any structure or space that feels vast, grand, or awe-inspiring, as in "a cathedral of steel and glass." It also appears in fixed phrases like "cathedral ceiling," a high, vaulted ceiling in a house.