What does "oblate" mean?
A person dedicated to a life of religion or monasticism, especially a member of an order without religious vows or a lay member of a religious community.
Oblate
/ˈɑbleɪt/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person dedicated to a life of religion or monasticism, especially a member of an order without religious vows or a lay member of a religious community.
- Grammar: oblate is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: ellipsoidal, flattened, flattened sphere, lay member.
- Useful contrasts: prolate, cleric, monk.
- Usage evidence: The Earth is an oblate spheroid.
How to use "oblate"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "oblate" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "oblate" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "oblate" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "oblate" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "oblate" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ellipsoidal" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "oblate", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person dedicated to a life of religion or monasticism, especially a member of an order without religious vows or a lay member of a religious community.
- 2 a lay person dedicated to religious work or the religious life wordnet
- 3 A child given up by its parents into the keeping or dedication of a religious order or house.
"2007, The Venerable Bede started as an oblate at St Paul's, Jarrow, but by the time of his death in 735 was surely the most learned man in Europe. — Tom Shippey, ‘I Lerne Song’, London Review of Books 29:4, p. 19"
Verb
- 1 To offer as either a gift or an oblation. rare
Adjective
- 1 Designating a person who is an oblate, of or belonging to an order of oblates. capitalized, not-comparable
"an Oblate Father"
- 2 Flattened or depressed at the poles.
"The Earth is an oblate spheroid."
Adjective
- 1 having the equatorial diameter greater than the polar diameter; being flattened at the poles wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The Earth is an oblate spheroid."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "oblate"?
Common synonyms include: ellipsoidal, flattened, flattened sphere, lay member, pumpkin-shaped, religious associate.
How do you use "oblate" in a sentence?
The Earth is an oblate spheroid.
How do you pronounce "oblate"?
Pronounced /ˈɑbleɪt/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From French oblat and its source, Ecclesiastical Latin oblātus (“person dedicated to religious life”), nominalization of oblātus, perfect passive participle of offerō (“to offer”); see -ate (noun-forming suffix).
Etymology 2
From Late Latin oblātus, from Latin ob (“in front of, before”) + lātus (“broad, wide”), (modeled after prōlātus (“extended, lengthened”)).
Etymology 3
Borrowed from Latin oblātus, perfect passive participle of offerō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Doublet of offer.