Home UK English urbi et orbi

Meaning of urbi et orbi in English:

urbi et orbi

Pronunciation /ˈəːbɪ ɛt ˈɔːbi/

adverb

  • Of a papal proclamation, blessing, etc.: to the city (of Rome) and to the world. Also in extended use: for general information or acceptance, to everyone.

noun

  • Usually with the. The solemn general blessing imparted by the Pope on particular occasions, originally from any of the basilicas in Rome, and now from the balcony of St Peter's.

    The custom of giving such blessings fell into abeyance in 1870, but was revived in 1922.

adjective

  • 1Widely proclaimed or disseminated; all-encompassing, general.

  • 2Designating the Urbi et Orbi; associated with or relating to this blessing.

Origin

Late 18th century; earliest use found in John Hawkins (1719–1789), music scholar and lawyer. From post-classical Latin urbi et orbi to the city (of Rome) and to the world from classical Latin urbī, dative of urbs city + et and + orbī, dative of orbis.