hieratic
UK: ˌhaɪəˈrætɪk | US: ˌhaɪəˈrætɪk
adj. relating to priests or the priesthood; sacerdotal
adj. (of writing or painting) highly stylized or formal, especially in ancient Egyptian art
n. a hieratic script or style
hieratic = hier<sacred> + atic<adjective suffix>
- hier (from Greek hieros <sacred>)
- atic (adjective-forming suffix, often via Latin -aticus or Greek -atikos)
Etymology Origin:
The word "hieratic" traces back to Greek hieratikos, derived from hieros (sacred). It originally described things pertaining to priests or religious rites. In Egyptology, it specifically refers to a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing used by priests, contrasting with the more pictorial hieroglyphs. The suffix -atic solidifies its adjectival role, emphasizing its connection to sacred or formal contexts.
The temple walls were adorned with hieratic inscriptions.
His hieratic duties included performing daily rituals.
The artist adopted a hieratic style to evoke ancient traditions.
Scholars study hieratic scripts to decipher religious texts.
The ceremony had a solemn, hieratic quality.