clero

[KLEH-ru]
nounmasculinepl: cleros
clergy
1. The body of ordained religious officials in the Christian church, including priests, bishops, and other ecclesiastical personnel
The clergy gathered for the annual synod.
O clero se reuniu para o sínodo anual.
2. Members of the priesthood collectively; ordained ministers of a religious faith
The Catholic clergy opposed the new legislation.
O clero católico se opôs à nova legislação.
3. The clerical order or profession as a whole
He left the clergy after twenty years of service.
Ele deixou o clero após vinte anos de serviço.
In Brazil, a predominantly Catholic country, 'clero' refers specifically to the organized religious hierarchy of the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations. The term carries historical significance in Brazilian colonial history and remains important in discussions about the church's role in Brazilian society, particularly regarding social justice and liberation theology.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
sacerdócioministériopadrehierarquia eclesiástica
Antonyms / Antônimos
laicatoleigos

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
clero
Standard term used throughout Brazil for the clergy
Portugal
clero
Same term used in European Portuguese with identical meaning
Rio de Janeiro
clero
No regional variation; standard usage applies
São Paulo
clero
No regional variation; standard usage applies

Related Words

eclesiásticopadrebisporeligiososeminárioordenação

Related Idioms & Phrases

clero secular
clero regular
separação entre clero e estado
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