How Do You Spell CATHEDRA?

Pronunciation: [kaθˈiːdɹə] (IPA)

The word "cathedra" is spelled with a "th" instead of a "t" sound in the middle. This is because the "th" represents the voiced dental fricative sound /ð/. When pronouncing this word, the stress is on the second syllable, which is spelled "e," but sounds like /i/. The IPA phonetic transcription of "cathedra" is /kəˈθiːdrə/. This word refers to the bishop's throne or chair in a cathedral, and is derived from the Greek word "kathedra," meaning seat or chair.

CATHEDRA Meaning and Definition

  1. Cathedra is a noun that refers to the official seat or throne of a bishop in a cathedral or church. Derived from the Latin word "cathedra," meaning chair, this term has both literal and symbolic meanings.

    In its literal sense, cathedra denotes the specially designed seat or chair found in the sanctuary of a cathedral, which is reserved exclusively for the bishop. Typically, this elevated seat is adorned with elaborate designs, carvings, and often positioned centrally behind the altar. It serves as a symbol of the bishop's authority and leadership within the church.

    Symbolically, cathedra represents the authority, teaching, and governance of the bishop. It is a visible manifestation of the bishop's role as the spiritual head of a diocese and his connection to the apostles, particularly Peter, who is said to have held the principal teaching chair in Rome. It is in this sense that the term "cathedra" is also used to refer to the office or jurisdiction of a bishop.

    The cathedra holds great significance during religious ceremonies, as the bishop presides over liturgical functions from this seat. It is seen as a symbol of the bishop's teaching authority and his role as the shepherd of the faithful.

    Overall, cathedra represents the seat of authority, teaching, and governance of a bishop within a cathedral or church, with both a physical and symbolic significance.

  2. The seat or chair of a professor; a pulpit.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CATHEDRA

  • xathedra
  • vathedra
  • fathedra
  • dathedra
  • czthedra
  • csthedra
  • cwthedra
  • cqthedra
  • carhedra
  • cafhedra
  • caghedra
  • cayhedra
  • ca6hedra
  • ca5hedra
  • catgedra
  • catbedra
  • catnedra
  • catjedra
  • catuedra

Etymology of CATHEDRA

The word "cathedra" comes from the Latin language. It is derived from the Greek word "kathedra" (καθέδρα), which means "seat" or "chair". In ancient times, a cathedra referred to an elevated seat or chair, especially the bishop's chair in a church. Over time, the term came to represent the bishop's official seat and the main church (cathedral) where it was located.

Idioms with the word CATHEDRA

  • ex cathedra The definition of the idiom "ex cathedra" is "from the seat of authority" or "with full authority." It originates from Latin, where "ex" means "from" and "cathedra" means "seat" or "chair." In a figurative sense, someone speaking ex cathedra is speaking with the full weight or authority of their position, typically in a formal or official manner. It is often used to describe statements made by religious leaders, professors, or anyone in a position of ultimate authority.

Similar spelling words for CATHEDRA

Plural form of CATHEDRA is CATHEDRAE

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