padre — a military chaplain or priest, especially in Spanish-speaking countries
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a military chaplain or priest, especially in Spanish-speaking countries
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpɑːdreɪ/
Example Sentences
- The new recruit was so nervous that he went to see the padre three times in his first week.
- Our padre could give the best pep talks before dangerous missions.
- Even the toughest sergeant would soften up when talking to the padre about his family.
padre
NOUN[/ˈpɑːdreɪ/]
a military chaplain or priest, especially in Spanish-speaking countries
Military chaplain comforting soldiers
Padre counsels Andre at the café
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Padre derives from Latin pater, meaning 'father'. The term evolved in Spanish to denote not only biological fathers but also priests and clergy, as soldiers and parishioners addressed them with familial respect, treating them as spiritual fathers.
Breakdown
pater (Latin: father) → padre (Spanish). The Latin root pater underwent regular sound changes in the Romance language evolution, dropping the -er ending and becoming padre in Spanish.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The new recruit was so nervous that he went to see the padre three times in his first week.”
“Our padre could give the best pep talks before dangerous missions.”
“Even the toughest sergeant would soften up when talking to the padre about his family.”
“The padre's tent was always open for anyone needing a friendly ear or hot coffee.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.