Apostate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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apostate
[ษหpษsteษชt ]
Definitions
religious
A person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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apostate |
Describes someone who has completely abandoned their religious or political beliefs; typically used in formal or serious contexts.
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traitor |
Used for someone who betrays their own country, group, or another person; carries very strong negative connotations.
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defector |
Refers to someone who leaves one group or country to join an opposing one; often used in political or military contexts.
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renegade |
Describes someone who betrays an organization, country, or set of principles; often implies rebellion, with a possibly adventurous or rebellious undertone.
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Examples of usage
- He was considered an apostate by his former church.
- The apostate was excommunicated from the religious community.
legal
A person who renounces a political belief or principle.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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apostate |
Use this word when referring to someone who has abandoned their religious faith or political beliefs. It often carries a negative connotation.
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rebel |
Best used when talking about someone who actively resists authority, control, or tradition, often in a confrontational way. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.
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turncoat |
This word is used to describe someone who switches allegiance, especially from one side to an opposing one. It has a negative connotation, implying betrayal.
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dissenter |
This word describes a person who disagrees with the majority opinion or the prevailing beliefs, especially in a religious or political context. It is a neutral term.
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Examples of usage
- The apostate was accused of treason.
- The government labeled him an apostate for his political views.
general
Having abandoned one's religious or political beliefs or principles.
Synonyms
disloyal, treacherous, unfaithful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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apostate |
Used to describe someone who has abandoned their religious faith or political beliefs.
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unfaithful |
Used to describe someone who is not loyal, especially in relationships, such as an adulterous partner.
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disloyal |
Used to describe someone who does not support or is not faithful to a person, country, or organization that they are expected to support.
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treacherous |
Used to describe someone or something that is guilty of or involving betrayal or deception and is often associated with danger or risk.
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Examples of usage
- He was seen as an apostate leader by his followers.
- The apostate politician lost support due to his changing beliefs.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Religious Context
- In many religions, apostasy is viewed seriously and can carry social or legal penalties.
- Historically, apostates were often ostracized or persecuted, reflecting the intense emotional and cultural weight of faith.
Literature
- Apostasy has been a common theme in literature, often exploring the struggles of faith and doubt.
- Prominent writers, like Fyodor Dostoevsky, used characters grappling with apostasy to delve into existential questions about belief and morality.
Psychology
- The act of becoming an apostate can be linked to personal transformations or crises, showing how values evolve over time.
- Studies in social psychology suggest that group identity often plays a critical role in the decision to leave a faith or ideology.
Cultural Impact
- In modern society, discussions about apostasy often intersect with debates on freedom of belief and expression.
- The concept reflects broader issues of identity, community ideology, and the search for personal truth in a diverse world.
Origin of 'apostate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'apostasia,' meaning 'to stand away from,' which reflects the action of leaving a belief.
- Apostate was borrowed into English in the late 14th century, showing its long-standing presence in theological discussions.
The word 'apostate' comes from the Late Latin 'apostata', which in turn is derived from the Greek 'apostatฤs', meaning 'a runaway slave' or 'deserter'. The term originally referred to someone who had abandoned their faith or political allegiance. Over time, 'apostate' has come to be used more broadly to describe someone who renounces deeply held beliefs or principles.