Main Entry:: cath·o·lic
Pronunciation:: \ˈkath-lik, ˈka-thə-\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English catholik, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French catholique, from Late Latin catholicus, from Greek katholikos universal, general, from katholou in general, from kata by + holos whole — more at cata-, safe
Date:: 14th century

1 aoften capitalized : of, relating to, or forming the church universal boften capitalized : of, relating to, or forming the ancient undivided Christian church or a church claiming historical continuity from it ccapitalized : roman catholic2: comprehensive, universal; especially : broad in sympathies, tastes, or interests <a catholic taste in music>

— ca·thol·i·cal·ly

\kə-ˈthä-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— ca·thol·i·cize

\-ˈthä-lə-ˌsīz\ verb

Learn more about "catholic" and related topics at Britannica.com

See a map of "catholic" in the Visual Thesaurus

Find Jobs in Your City

Pronunciation Symbols