Metempsychosis: meaning, definitions and examples

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metempsychosis

 

[ ˌmɛtɛmˈsaɪˌkoʊsɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

belief in

the transmigration of the soul, especially the passage of the soul after death into the body of another being.

Synonyms

rebirth, reincarnation, transmigration.

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Word Description / Examples
metempsychosis

This is a term often used in philosophical or religious discussions to refer to the transmigration of the soul from one body to another after death. It is more common in texts that deal with ancient beliefs or metaphysical concepts.

  • The ancient Greeks believed in metempsychosis and that the soul would be reborn into a new body
reincarnation

A common term in many religious contexts, especially in Hinduism and Buddhism. It implies that after death, the soul is born again in a new body.

  • She believes in reincarnation and thinks she was a musician in her past life
transmigration

Often used in religious or esoteric contexts similar to metempsychosis. It emphasizes the passage of the soul from one body to another, without necessarily implying continuity of identity. It can sometimes carry a slightly archaic connotation.

  • The philosopher wrote about the transmigration of souls across different animal and human bodies
rebirth

A more general and secular term, used in various contexts to signify the coming into existence of something again. It can refer to both the literal reappearance of a being or a metaphorical new beginning.

  • After years of hardship, he saw his new job as a form of rebirth

Examples of usage

  • Many ancient religions and philosophies, such as Hinduism and Pythagoreanism, believe in metempsychosis.
  • In metempsychosis, the soul is believed to undergo a cycle of rebirths until it reaches a state of enlightenment.
  • Metempsychosis is a central concept in the teachings of some Eastern religions.
  • The idea of metempsychosis raises questions about the nature of the soul and its journey through different lives.
  • Metempsychosis is a fascinating concept that has intrigued thinkers for centuries.

Translations

Translations of the word "metempsychosis" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metempsicose

🇮🇳 आत्मा का पुनर्जन्म

🇩🇪 Metempsychose

🇮🇩 metempsikosis

🇺🇦 метемпсихоз

🇵🇱 metempsychoza

🇯🇵 転生

🇫🇷 métempsychose

🇪🇸 metempsicosis

🇹🇷 metempsikoz

🇰🇷 윤회

🇸🇦 تناسخ الأرواح

🇨🇿 metempsychóza

🇸🇰 metempsychóza

🇨🇳 轮回

🇸🇮 metempsihoza

🇮🇸 sáluflutningur

🇰🇿 метемпсихоз

🇬🇪 მეტემფსიქოზი

🇦🇿 metempsixoz

🇲🇽 metempsicosis

Etymology

The term metempsychosis originated from the Greek words 'meta', meaning 'change', and 'empsykhoun', meaning 'to put a soul into'. It was first introduced by the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras, who believed in the transmigration of souls. The concept of metempsychosis has been a topic of philosophical and religious discussion for centuries, with various interpretations and adaptations in different cultures. It continues to be a fascinating subject for exploration and contemplation.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,313 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.