Antonyms for cardinals

Grammar : Noun

Spell : kahr-dn-l

Phonetic Transcription : ˈkɑr dn l

Definition of cardinals

Origin : "chief, pivotal," early 14c., from Latin cardinalis "principal, chief, essential," from cardo (genitive cardinis) "that on which something turns or depends; pole of the sky," originally "door hinge," of unknown origin. Related: Cardinally.
The cardinal points (1540s) are north, south, east, west. The cardinal sins (c.1600) are too well known to require rehearsal. The cardinal virtues (c.1300) were divided into natural (justice prudence, temperance, fortitude) and theological (faith, hope, charity). The natural ones were the original classical ones, which were amended by Christians. But typically in Middle English only the first four were counted as the cardinal virtues:
Of þe uour uirtues cardinales spekeþ moche þe yealde philosofes. ["Ayenbite of Inwyt," c.1340]
By analogy of this, and cardinal points, cardinal winds, cardinal signs (four zodiacal signs marking the equinoxes and the solstices), the adjective in Middle English acquired an association with the number four.

As in number : noun unit of the mathematical system
As in red : noun color of blood; shade resembling such a color
As in clergyman : noun minister
As in primate : noun archbishop
As in cape : noun sleeveless coat
As in prelate : noun priest
As in clergyperson : noun minister of church

Example sentences :

He was told that the cardinals were not there to receive a challenge to battle.
Extract from : « Cameos from English History, from Rollo to Edward II » by Charlotte Mary Yonge

He had seen all the cardinals whose influence could be of use to him.
Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola

I have continually seen there the Princes of the blood and the cardinals.
Extract from : « The Memoirs of Louis XIV., His Court and The Regency, Complete » by Duc de Saint-Simon

The first to do so were Cardinals d'Estrees and Portocarrero.
Extract from : « The Memoirs of Louis XIV., His Court and The Regency, Complete » by Duc de Saint-Simon

The cardinals relegated the decision of the matter to the Pope.
Extract from : « The Life of Cesare Borgia » by Raphael Sabatini

They looked at the cardinals in their splendid robes, at the Pope, at the altar.
Extract from : « Dreamers of the Ghetto » by I. Zangwill

No, I declare it is a ring—large enough for three cardinals, and worn on her thumb.
Extract from : « David Elginbrod » by George MacDonald

And by what College of Cardinals is this our God's-vicar, our binder and looser, elected?
Extract from : « The Biglow Papers » by James Russell Lowell

To-morrow there was to be a Holy Conclave—all the Cardinals.
Extract from : « Little Novels of Italy » by Maurice Henry Hewlett

The same argument applied to Cardinals, Bishops and Priests.
Extract from : « History of the Moravian Church » by J. E. Hutton

Synonyms for cardinals

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019