What does ordain mean?
Ordain is a formal verb meaning to establish, authorize, or decree something, particularly through law, custom, or official power. It is also used for the appointment of someone to a religious office, such as ordaining a priest or minister, and in religious language for events believed to be determined by divine will. The word conveys authority and solemnity more strongly than the general verb “order.” For example, a statute may ordain specific requirements, while a church may ordain a person to ministry. In contemporary usage, “ordain” is especially common in legal, governmental, religious, and ceremonial contexts, where it suggests that a rule or appointment is formally and authoritatively established.
verbTo formally order or authorize something, especially by law or official authority. It can also mean to appoint someone to a religious or official position, or, in religious contexts, to decree that something will happen.
- To formally order or authorize something, especially by law or official authority.
- To appoint someone to a religious office, such as a priest or minister.
- To appoint someone to a nonreligious official position.
- In religious contexts, to decree or determine that something will happen.
"The court ordained that the company must reduce its emissions."
"The legislation ordains that all new buildings must meet strict energy standards."
"She was ordained a minister after completing her theological studies."
A word can be ordained by a human authority or, in religious language, ordained by God.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ordain come from?
The verb comes from Old English ordǣnan, meaning to arrange or appoint in a formal way. It was borrowed from Latin ordināre, a form of ordō, meaning to arrange or set in order. The same Latin root underlies words such as order, ordinary, ordinance, and coordinate, reflecting a shared sense of arranging things according to a system or rank.
Related word forms
How ordain is actually used
In modern legal and administrative contexts, “ordain” is formal and often suggests a rule established by an authority. In religious contexts, it is especially used for the appointment of clergy and for the idea of divine purpose. The word is less common in everyday speech than “order” or “make official.”
Easily confused with ordain
“Order” is the general word for giving an instruction, while “ordain” often implies formal authorization, appointment, or religious ceremony.