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What does It Mean to Pontificate?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

The term "pontificate," like many other words, means different things depending on the context in which it is used. Pontificate can be used as a noun to refer to various aspects of pontifical duties or the office of a pontiff such as a pope or a bishop. When used as a verb, however, it commonly refers to the speech or oratory of a religious figure, usually regarding dogmatic or religious subjects. It can also have a negative connotation, however, when used to describe the speech of a non-religious figure, in which it typically labels a person as pompous.

Usage as a Noun

Used as a noun, pontificate can refer to a pontiffical office, such as a pope or a bishop.
Used as a noun, pontificate can refer to a pontiffical office, such as a pope or a bishop.

When someone refers to "the pontificate," he or she is usually indicating the office of a religious figure such as the Catholic pope. Generally, it describes the administration of such an office. In this case, it is usually pronounced slightly differently than when it is a verb, with the emphasis placed on the "-tif-" in the middle and the "-cate" at the end pronounced like "kit."

Usage as a Verb with Positive Meaning

The term "pontificate" may be used to refer, either positively or negatively, to a person's speech.
The term "pontificate" may be used to refer, either positively or negatively, to a person's speech.

To pontificate also means to speak in dogmatic or inflexible terms. It is an intransitive verb, or one that does not take an object, and is pronounced with emphasis on the "pon-" at the beginning and the "-cate" at the end pronounced like "kate." Many people regard this method of speaking as a religious characteristic, since many religions are inherently dogmatic. Priests, rabbis, imams, and other members of the clergy are prone to pontificate, and in this sense it is not a negative characteristic.

Usage as a Negative Verb

To pontificate also means to speak in dogmatic or inflexible terms.
To pontificate also means to speak in dogmatic or inflexible terms.

Some people commonly use this term to describe a patronizing form of speech. Someone speaking in a way that is pompous, haughty, or condescending may be seen as pontificating. People often use this approach to speechmaking or lecturing to demean those that have a different opinion, to make them feel inferior for not agreeing with the “enlightened” perspective of the person speaking.

Priests are prone to pontificate.
Priests are prone to pontificate.

It is not unusual to hear exaggerated rhetoric from politicians known to pontificate during campaign speeches. For example, liberalism and conservatism are conflicting ideologies, and both factions are aggressive in their attempts to sway public opinion. The voting base of either philosophy often applauds the pontification of their leaders, while the other side tends to interpret the remarks as condescending and closed-minded.

Effects of Such Speech

This brazen approach to public speaking may not appear to be very effective, but it often rallies the supportive base and also sways some voters who were previously undecided. Speaking passionately can often give the impression of speaking from the heart, whether or not this is true. The campaigner who chooses to pontificate may swing some votes, but is unlikely to sway anyone who holds a completely opposite political view. In fact, a pompous recitation of opposing political ideals frequently turns off many listeners.

Discussion Comments

anon192078

I always thought pontification was to speak out of one's bottom, in a manner of speaking.

anon98681

my assumption was to go on and on.

anon66112

Yes, if you are pontificating you are speaking in a condescending manner as above.

anon23833

is pontificating a word?

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    • Used as a noun, pontificate can refer to a pontiffical office, such as a pope or a bishop.
      By: nemo87
      Used as a noun, pontificate can refer to a pontiffical office, such as a pope or a bishop.
    • The term "pontificate" may be used to refer, either positively or negatively, to a person's speech.
      By: Photographee.eu
      The term "pontificate" may be used to refer, either positively or negatively, to a person's speech.
    • To pontificate also means to speak in dogmatic or inflexible terms.
      By: inesbazdar
      To pontificate also means to speak in dogmatic or inflexible terms.
    • Priests are prone to pontificate.
      By: gregorydean
      Priests are prone to pontificate.