adj
Uncommon
apostolic
ap-uh-STOL-ihk
Apostolic (adj) means relating to the apostles or their teachings. Example: “The church traces its authority back through apostolic succession.”
adj
1
Relating to the apostles or their teachings.
"The church traces its authority back through apostolic succession."
"I would like to give this dissertation on the apostolic world of thought in early Christian iconography the subtitle of 'In the land of the blessed' —'Μακάρων ἐνἱ χώρῳ'."
— Arnold Provoost, The Apostolic Way of Thought in Early Christian Iconography (2004)
"The scholar wrote about apostolic teaching and how the early followers passed it on."
"Their apostolic mission was to travel and share the message of the first apostles."
2
Relating to the Pope or the papacy.
"The Vatican issued an apostolic letter on the matter."
How to use apostolic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishConnected to the apostles of early Christianity, or to the Pope's authority in Catholicism.
When to use it
Mostly used in religious, especially Catholic, contexts.
Common pairings
apostolic succession
apostolic authority
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Word forms
- Plural
- apostolics
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The church traces its authority back through _____ succession.
Etymology
From Latin apostolicus, from Greek apostolikos, both derived from apostolos, "apostle."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for apostolic
colic
frolic
anabolic
Catholic
systolic
symbolic
alcoholic
metabolic
parabolic
workaholic
melancholic
See all rhymes for apostolic →
Frequently asked questions
What does “apostolic” mean?
The word “apostolic” means relating to the apostles or their teachings. In plain terms, connected to the apostles of early Christianity, or to the Pope's authority in Catholicism.
How do you pronounce “apostolic”?
“Apostolic” is pronounced ap-uh-STOL-ihk (/ˌæp.əˈstɑːl.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “apostolic” in a sentence?
Here is “apostolic” used in a sentence: “The church traces its authority back through apostolic succession.”
What part of speech is “apostolic”?
“Apostolic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “apostolic” come from?
The word “apostolic” comes from Latin. From Latin apostolicus, from Greek apostolikos, both derived from apostolos, "apostle.".
Is “apostolic” a common word?
“Apostolic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “apostolic” have?
“Apostolic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the apostles or their teachings.
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