clerical powers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clerical powers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the authority or abilities associated with clerical roles, often in a religious or administrative context. Example: "The bishop exercised his clerical powers to make important decisions regarding the church's operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, they later find her resting at the foot of a statue of Mishakal (the Goddess of Healing), which now bears the Blue Crystal Staff, and Goldmoon is blessed with true clerical powers.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That in turn made it easier for clerical power to trump the worldly kind.

The Economist

However, even if the election results in fewer mullahs sitting in parliament, clerical power in Iran remains the reality.

The Economist

But the papal success at Canossa paved the way for an even more spectacular assertion of clerical power.

The Economist

Until now, the contest for this seat of clerical power was an unremarkable event, but not this time.

The Guardian

The virulently anti-American bulwark of clerical power, Iran's Revolutionary Guard corps, crosses the long Iraqi-Iranian border at will.

The New York Times

Alternatively, "pure" clerical power can use its prerogatives (over sacraments like baptism or marriage or absolution) to exercise authority over everybody else, including worldly rulers.

The Economist

We have five goals in that country: keep out al-Qaeda; contain Iran; prevent Shia clerical power; restrain the Kurds; and maintain a united nation.

The Economist

Conservatives close to the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have accused Mashaei of undermining clerical power by advocating nationalism and putting Iran ahead of Islam.

The Guardian

Abulhassan Banisadr, Iran's first post-revolution president, was elected in January 1980 but later impeached by the parliament and exiled for allegedly attempting to undermine clerical power.

The Guardian

Now the merchant class that forged the bases of revolutionary, clerical power drinks Absolut vodka and ignores the screams from the notorious Evin prison located in their midst.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about religious contexts, use "clerical powers" to specifically denote the authority and abilities granted to individuals by their religious office or position. This helps distinguish from secular or other forms of power.

Common error

Avoid using "clerical powers" in contexts where the authority being described is purely secular or administrative. "Clerical powers" inherently implies a religious or ecclesiastical basis for the authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clerical powers" functions as a noun phrase, where 'clerical' acts as an adjective modifying 'powers'. It typically denotes the specific authorities, rights, and capabilities that are associated with a clerical position within a religious hierarchy. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clerical powers" refers to the authority and capabilities associated with clerical roles, typically within a religious context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in English. Although relatively uncommon, the phrase appears across various contexts, from news reports to encyclopedic entries. Related phrases include "ecclesiastical authority" and "religious authority". A key writing tip is to ensure that "clerical powers" is used to describe religious or ecclesiastical authority, avoiding its application to secular contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ecclesiastical authority

Emphasizes the formal, religious aspect of the power, suggesting official sanction by a church.

spiritual authority

Highlights the influence and power derived from spiritual or moral standing.

religious authority

Focuses on the power derived from religious beliefs or positions.

priestly powers

Specific to the powers held by priests within a religious hierarchy.

canonical powers

Highlights powers specifically defined by church law or canon law.

ministerial authority

Focuses on the authority associated with serving or ministering within a religious context.

pastoral authority

Emphasizes the caring, guiding, and shepherding aspects of clerical power.

sacramental authority

Focuses on the power to administer sacraments and other religious rites.

rabbinical authority

Referring to the authority held by rabbis within Judaism.

theocratic power

Highlights power derived from religious law in a theocratic system.

FAQs

What does "clerical powers" mean?

The phrase "clerical powers" refers to the authority, rights, and responsibilities that are conferred upon individuals who hold a clerical position within a religious organization. These powers typically encompass the ability to perform religious rites, provide spiritual guidance, and administer church affairs.

How are "clerical powers" different from other forms of authority?

"Clerical powers" are unique because they are derived from religious ordination or appointment, rather than secular election or inheritance. They are specifically tied to the performance of religious duties and the governance of religious institutions. Other forms of authority, such as political or corporate authority, are based on different sources of legitimacy and have different scopes of influence.

What are some examples of "clerical powers"?

Examples of "clerical powers" include the power to administer sacraments, preach and teach religious doctrine, perform marriages, preside over religious ceremonies, and make decisions regarding church policy and administration. The specific powers vary depending on the religious tradition and the cleric's position within the hierarchy.

What phrases can be used instead of "clerical powers"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "clerical powers" include "ecclesiastical authority", "religious authority", or "spiritual authority". These phrases can emphasize different aspects of the authority held by members of the clergy.