ordain

Pronunciation: /ɔɹˈdeɪn/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb order by virtue of superior authority; decree
  2. verb appoint to a clerical posts
  3. verb invest with ministerial or priestly authority

Etymology

From Middle English ordeynen, from Old French ordiner, from Latin ordinare (“to order”), from ordo (“order”). Doublet of ordinate.

In classic literature

Synonyms

enact

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
decree
Narrower (hyponyms)
legislate, reenact

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