Word of the Day

: December 26, 2006

ex cathedra

adverb or adjective eks-kuh-THEE-druh ("th" is as in "think")

What It Means

: by virtue of or in the exercise of one's office or position

ex cathedra in Context

Andrew seems to think that his new position as supervisor gives him the ex cathedra privilege of taking excessively long lunch breaks.

Did You Know?

"Ex cathedra" is a Latin phrase, meaning not "from the cathedral," but "from the chair." The phrase does have religious origins though: it was originally applied to decisions made by Popes from their thrones. According to Roman Catholic doctrine, a Pope speaking ex cathedra on issues of faith or morals is infallible. In general use, the phrase has come to be used with regard to statements made by people in positions of authority, and it is often used ironically to describe someone speaking with overbearing or unwarranted self-certainty.