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Theistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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theistic

[ฮธiหˆษ›stษชk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

belief in gods

Theistic refers to the belief in one or more deities or gods. This term is often used in contrast to atheism, which is the lack of belief in gods. Theistic beliefs can vary significantly between different religions and cultures, encompassing a wide range of understandings about the nature and attributes of deities.

Synonyms

divine, godly, religious.

Examples of usage

  • She holds a theistic worldview that shapes her moral values.
  • The theistic beliefs of the community are deeply rooted in their traditions.
  • Many theistic philosophers explore the implications of divine existence.
  • His theistic perspective influences his interpretation of ancient texts.

Translations

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Origin of 'theistic'

The term 'theistic' originates from the Greek word 'theos', meaning 'god'. It was first used in the context of philosophy and religion in the late 17th century to describe the belief in a deity or deities, particularly in relation to the natural world and moral principles. The word gained prominence alongside growing philosophical discourse about the existence and nature of God, particularly during the Enlightenment period, when thinkers began to explore the rational basis for belief in a deity. The prefix 'the-' reflects its roots in theistic belief systems, including monotheism, polytheism, and pantheism. Over time, 'theistic' has also been employed in theological and philosophical debates to differentiate those who affirm the existence of gods from those who are agnostic or atheistic.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,256, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.