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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!