adiaphoron

noun

ad·​i·​aph·​o·​ron
ˌa-dē-ˈa-fə-ˌrän,
-rən
plural adiaphora
ˌa-dē-ˈa-fə-rə
1
Stoic philosophy : a matter having no moral merit or demerit
2
: a religious ceremonial or ritual observance that is held to be an affair of the individual conscience because it is neither forbidden nor enjoined by the scriptures

Word History

Etymology

Greek, from neuter of adiaphoros indifferent, from a- a- entry 2 + diaphora difference, from diapherein to carry across, bear to the end, make a difference, from dia- + pherein to bear

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of adiaphoron was in 1538

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Dictionary Entries Near adiaphoron

Cite this Entry

“Adiaphoron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adiaphoron. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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