antinomian
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌæntɪˈnoʊmiən/
KK: /æntɪˈnoʊmiən/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a belief that faith alone is necessary for salvation, and that moral laws are not binding for those who have faith.
Example
The antinomian perspective challenges traditional views on morality and law.
Conversation
Have you heard about the antinomian beliefs some people hold?
Yeah, it's interesting how they think the moral law doesn't apply to them.
Exactly! It really challenges traditional views of ethics.
I can see why that would spark some intense debates.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
heretical
unorthodox
radical
Antonyms
orthodox
conventional
traditional
noun
Definition
A person who believes that faith alone is enough for salvation and that moral laws are not necessary.
Example
The antinomian argued that following strict moral laws was unnecessary for true faith.
Conversation
I was reading about this idea called antinomian beliefs in my philosophy class.
Oh really? What does that mean exactly?
It's the view that faith alone is enough for salvation, without needing to follow moral laws.
Root Explanation
Antinomian is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "nomos" (meaning law in Greek). The term refers to the belief that faith alone is sufficient for salvation and that moral laws are not binding for believers, thus being against the law.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is 'against' ('anti-') the 'law' ('nomos') — that's why antinomian refers to the belief that faith alone is enough.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.