Definition

A person who believes that faith is the only way to know certain truths, especially in religion.

Example

As a fideist, she argued that reason alone could not lead to a true understanding of faith.

Conversation

I was reading about different philosophical beliefs and came across the term fideist.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

A fideist is someone who believes that faith is the basis for knowledge, especially in religion.

That's interesting! I guess it makes sense for some people to rely on faith over reason.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fideist → It is formed from "fides" (meaning faith) and the suffix "-ist" (meaning one who practices or is concerned with). A fideist is someone who emphasizes faith, particularly in religious contexts, as a means of understanding or knowing truth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'faith' ('fides') and remember that a 'fideist' is someone who focuses on faith as a way to understand truth.

Visually Confused Words