adoptionism

noun

adop·​tion·​ism ə-ˈdäp-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce adoptionism (audio)
variants or adoptianism
often capitalized
: the doctrine that Jesus of Nazareth became the Son of God by adoption
adoptionist noun often capitalized

Word History

Etymology

adoptionism from adoption + -ism, after earlier Adoptionist "member of a sect believing that Jesus is God's son by adoption," altered from earlier Adoptianist, from Medieval Latin Adoptiānus (from Latin adoptiō adoption + -ānus -an entry 1) + -ist entry 1; adoptianism from adoptianist + -ism

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adoptionism was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near adoptionism

Cite this Entry

“Adoptionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adoptionism. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

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