Paraclete

noun

Par·​a·​clete ˈper-ə-ˌklēt How to pronounce Paraclete (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
: holy spirit

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Paraclit, Paraclyte, borrowed from Late Latin Paraclētus, Paraclītus "advocate, comforter," borrowed from Greek paráklētos "advocate, helper, comforter," an epithet of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John (as John 14:26), derivative of paráklētos, adjective, "called to one's aid," verbal adjective of parakaleîn "to call in, send for, summon, exhort, comfort, console," from para- para- entry 1 + kaléō, kaleîn "to call, summon" — more at low entry 3

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Paraclete was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

parachutist
Paraclete
paracolpium
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paraclete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Paraclete. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Paraclete

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Paraclete

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