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DictionaryRoot: holos
Greek

holos

whole or complete

Forms

  • holos
  • holo- — The form used in compounds.

Origin

An inherited Greek word related to an older Indo-European whole-or-complete family.

Note

Wholeness concerns inclusion of the entire thing, not necessarily large size.

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adjective / noun

Catholic

Belonging to the universal Christian church.

The Catholic parish gathers for Mass on Sunday morning.

Etymology
catholicGreekuniversal

Greek katholikos meant universal or concerning the whole. The Christian use applies that inclusive scope to the church as a whole, beyond any one local congregation.

More examples

  • She was raised as a Catholic.
  • The creed speaks of one holy catholic church.
  • The museum displays art from the Catholic tradition.

Forms

Catholic · Catholics

Similar words

Christian
Includes other churches as well as the Roman Catholic Church.
Roman Catholic
Specifically identifies the church headed by the pope.