Proselytism: meaning, definitions and examples

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proselytism

 

[ หˆprษ’s.ษ™.lษช.tษช.zษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious conversion

Proselytism refers to the act of attempting to convert individuals from one religion, belief, or opinion to another. It is often associated with religious communities that engage in sharing their beliefs with the aim of increasing their number of followers. Proselytism may involve evangelistic efforts, discussions, and outreach services. Different religions have varying views on proselytism, with some encouraging it and others condemning it as intrusive. The practice has historically led to both positive and negative responses in different cultures.

Synonyms

conversion, evangelism, missionary work

Examples of usage

  • The church's proselytism effort was met with mixed reactions.
  • Many view aggressive proselytism as a violation of personal beliefs.
  • Proselytism has played a significant role in the spread of religions worldwide.

Translations

Translations of the word "proselytism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น proselitismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเคฐเฅเคฎเคพเค‚เคคเคฐเคฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Proselitismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ proselitisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะพะทะตะปั–ั‚ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ prozelityzm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ”นๅฎ—ๆดปๅ‹•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท prosรฉlytisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ proselitismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dรถnรผลŸรผm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐœ์ข…์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุจุดูŠุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prozelitismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prozelitizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ”นๅฎ—ไธปไน‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prozelitizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ boรฐunarstarf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดั–ะฝ ำฉะทะณะตั€ั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ แƒแƒ–แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜แƒขแƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prozelitizm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ proselitismo

Etymology

The term 'proselytism' originates from the Greek word 'proselytos,' which means 'one who has come over' or 'a new convert.' In historical contexts, it referred to someone who had converted to Judaism from another faith. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass any form of religious or ideological conversion. The concept became increasingly significant during the spread of Christianity in the early centuries, as missionaries sought to convert non-Christians. The practice of proselytism has also been influenced by colonial expansion, where Western religions were often propagated in non-Western regions. The discussion around proselytism has evolved, particularly in contemporary society, where issues of religious freedom and tolerance are at the forefront. Today, proselytism remains a contentious issue in interfaith dialogues and discussions about the ethics of conversion.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,115 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.