What is ordain? Pronunciation and usage in English

ordain means . Learn how to pronounce and use ordain through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ordain

ordainverb

/ɔːˈdeɪn//ɔːrˈdeɪn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ordain." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, with a few options to help you nail it:

1. The Phonetic Breakdown:

  • or - pronounced like "or" in "born"
  • daine - this is the trickier part. It’s a diphthong, meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds:
    • dye - as in "dyeing"
    • ne - as in "knee"

2. Common Pronunciations & Guides:

Here are a few ways you might hear it, with slight variations:

  • Traditional/Formal: /ˈɔːrdneɪn/ (This is a good, solid, widely accepted pronunciation.)

    • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("OR").
    • Emphasis: Think of saying “or” strongly, then smoothly blending into “d-dye-ne.”

  • Slightly Simplified (more common in casual speech): /ˈɔːrdɪn/ (This is also perfectly understandable)

    • The "ae" diphthong (dye-ne) is often reduced to a single "i" sound.

3. Listen to Examples:

4. Tips for Saying it Right:

  • Focus on the Diphthong: The "d-dye-ne" part is key. Really blend those two vowel sounds together. Don't say "dye" and "ne" separately.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "r": The "r" isn’t pronounced strongly. It’s more of a gentle presence.
  • Practice slowly: Start by saying each part ("or" and "d-dye-ne") separately, then slowly blend them together.

To help me give you even better advice, could you tell me:

  • Where did you hear the word? (e.g., a formal sermon, a news report, a book?) The context might slightly affect how it’s pronounced.

Usage and examples with the word ordain in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ordain." It's a powerful word with a specific meaning, and it’s not used in everyday conversation. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Meaning:

  • To officially invest with a sacred office or function; to consecrate. This is the fundamental definition. It essentially means to formally appoint someone to a religious role or position, giving them the authority and recognition associated with it.

2. Primarily Used in Religious Contexts:

  • Ordain a Priest/Minister/Pastor: This is the most common use. It refers to the act of a religious leader (typically a bishop or higher-ranking cleric) officially appointing someone to a ministerial role within a Christian denomination.
  • Ordain a Deacon: Similar to above, but specifically for a deacon in a Christian church.
  • Ordain a Monk/Nun: In monastic orders, “ordain” is used to formally induct new members into the religious community.
  • Ordain a Rabbi: (Specifically in Judaism) This marks the appointment of a Jewish religious leader.

3. Less Common, But Still Valid Uses:

  • Ordain (a judge/official): Historically, "ordain" was sometimes used more broadly to mean to publicly declare or solemnly appoint, even for secular offices. However, this usage is much rarer today. You’re more likely to use “appoint” or “install” for this.

4. Key Phrases & Constructions:

  • “The bishop ordained the new priests.” (Most common)
  • “The congregation will ordain the new pastor next month.”
  • “It is the church’s sacred duty to ordain its leaders.”

5. Synonyms (Depending on Context):

  • Consecrate: (Suggests making something holy)
  • Install: (More neutral, often used for secular appointments)
  • Appoint: (Most general, suitable for most contexts)
  • Dedicate: (Often used for dedicating a building or object to a religious purpose)

6. Important Nuances & Considerations:

  • Formal and Solemn: The act of ordination is almost always a very serious and formal ceremony.
  • Religious Authority: Only someone with the proper religious authority is permitted to "ordain."
  • Not for Everyday Use: You wouldn’t normally say, “I’m going to ordain my friend to be a team leader.”

Examples in Sentences:

  • “Yesterday, the ancient cathedral was filled with worshippers as the Archbishop ordained the four new deacons.”
  • “The seminary students are eager to be ordained and begin their ministry.”
  • “The monastic community will ordain a new novice this autumn.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored information, could you tell me:

  • What is the context you’re thinking of using "ordain" in? (e.g., a specific religion, a historical event, a creative writing piece?)

Synonyms for the word ordain

Practice with vocabulary ordain

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After years of dedicated study, she hoped to be ______ as a pastor in her community.
  2. The board of directors will ______ new guidelines to ensure ethical conduct across all departments.
  3. To ensure smooth operation, the project manager needs to ______ all resources effectively.
  4. All staff members are expected to ______ strictly to the company's non-disclosure agreement.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words can describe the act of officially establishing a new law or rule by authority? A) Propose B) Ordain C) Recommend D) Enact E) Suggest

  2. Before the official ceremony, the elder prepared to ______ the new initiates into their sacred roles. A) Select B) Appoint C) Ordain D) Commission E) Recruit

  3. The committee worked diligently to ______ the conference schedule, ensuring all sessions ran on time. A) Administer B) Orchestrate C) Supervise D) Coordinate E) Regulate

  4. According to the ancient texts, it was ______ by a higher power that the hero would save the kingdom. A) Predetermined B) Ordained C) Decided D) Predicted E) Guaranteed

  5. The new regulations ______ that all data must be encrypted before transmission. A) Imply B) Mandate C) Suggest D) Stipulate E) Recommend

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The university council officially decided that a new code of conduct should be implemented.

    • Rewrite: The university council ______ that a new code of conduct should be implemented.

  2. The historical document states that it was fate that caused the two royal families to unite.

    • Rewrite: The historical document states that it was ______ that the two royal families would unite.

  3. The city council issued a formal command for stricter environmental protection measures.

    • Rewrite: The city council ______ stricter environmental protection measures.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. ordained
  2. ordain
  3. coordinate
  4. adhere

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Ordain, D) Enact
  2. C) Ordain
  3. B) Orchestrate, D) Coordinate
  4. A) Predetermined, B) Ordained
  5. B) Mandate, D) Stipulate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The university council ordained that a new code of conduct should be implemented.
  2. The historical document states that it was ordained by fate that the two royal families would unite.
  3. The city council mandated stricter environmental protection measures.

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