Pe·la·gian
pə-ˈlā-j(ē-)ən 
: one agreeing with Pelagius in denying original sin and consequently in holding that individuals have perfect freedom to do either right or wrong
: of or relating to Pelagians or Pelagianism
Examples of Pelagian in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Edward L. Morse, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2011
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
The Pelagian Shelf basin, off the coast of Tripoli, was spared from the fighting, so operations there could resume fairly quickly.
—Edward L. Morse, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2011
Cite this Entry
“Pelagian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pelagian. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share