Apostolic
/ˌæpɒˈstɒlɪk/
adjectiveIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
Of or relating to the apostles or their teaching; having authority derived from the apostles.
/ˌæpɒˈstɒlɪk/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
General
Relating to the apostles or their teachings.
The church maintains an apostolic succession of bishops.
💡 Simply: Like the apostles or their teachings.
More Examples
2
His preaching was considered to be of apostolic authority.
How It's Used
Religious Studies
"The apostolic succession is a key doctrine in many Christian denominations."
Church History
"The apostolic fathers wrote important early Christian texts."
From Late Latin apostolicus, from Latin apostolus "apostle," from Greek apóstolos "one who is sent away," from apóstellō "send away, send forth."
The term has been used consistently since the early church to refer to things linked to the apostles and their teachings.
Memory tip
Think 'apostle' + 'ic' (like characteristic).
Practice
Base: apostle
apostolicalappostellic
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written