Word of the Day – Pontificate

Pontificate (verb)

pon-tif-i-kayt

To speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner. From the original definition, which is to perform the office or duties of a pontiff.

First recorded in 1400–50. The noun is from Latin pontificātus, derivative of pontific- (stem of pontifex ) + -ātus noun suffix denoting office or function; pontifex, -ate. The verb is from Medieval Latin pontificātus, past participle of pontificāre “to be an ecclesiastic”; -ate.

Example sentences

“He did like to pontificate and waste everyone’s time prattling on.”