What does ordained mean?
Ordained is a formal word with several related meanings. Most commonly, it describes a person who has been officially admitted to religious ministry, as in an ordained minister or an ordained priest. It can also mean appointed to an office or position by recognized authority, or formally established by an institution or governing body. As a verb, ordain can refer both to installing someone in an office or ministry and to authorizing or instituting a course of action. The word often conveys permanence, legitimacy, and formal approval. It may sound somewhat ceremonial or elevated, especially in religious writing, although it is also used in legal, political, and institutional contexts. Outside religious and highly formal settings, words such as appoint, authorize, establish, or introduce may sound more natural.
Formally appointed or established by an authority, especially admitted to religious ministry.
"The ordained minister delivered the service in a solemn and thoughtful manner."
The religious sense is especially common in combinations such as ordained minister and ordained priest.
To appoint or install someone formally, especially in religious ministry; to authorize or institute by formal authority.
"The council ordained the proposal as the organization's new policy."
The verb is formal and is commonly used in religious, legal, institutional, and ceremonial contexts.
Ordained can describe a person officially installed in religious ministry, an office created by law, or any course of action formally approved by authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ordained come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French ordener, which was derived from Latin ordinare, meaning to arrange, regulate, or put in order. The Latin verb was connected with ordo, meaning order or rank. Its English relatives include ordinary, ordinance, and coordinate, all reflecting the same broader idea of arrangement or order.
Related word forms
How ordained is actually used
In religious contexts, ordained is commonly used with minister, priest, pastor, or deacon. In secular contexts, it is more formal and can suggest establishment through official authority rather than simple arrangement.
Easily confused with ordained
Ordained refers to a formal appointment or establishment by authority, whereas ordered commonly means instructed, arranged, or put in a sequence.
Ordained emphasizes formal authorization or appointment, while organized generally describes the arrangement or coordination of people or activities.