homoousian
Advanced (C1/C2)
IPA: /həˈmoʊəˌzuːjən/
KK: /həˈmoʊəˌzuːiən/
adjective
Definition
Describing a belief that two or more entities share the same essence or substance, particularly in religious contexts.
Example
The doctrine of homoousian asserts that the Father and the Son are of the same essence.
Conversation
I was reading about different theological concepts, and I came across the term homoousian.
Oh really? What does it mean exactly?
It refers to having the same essence, especially in relation to the Trinity.
That makes sense! It's interesting how language can shape our understanding of such complex ideas.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
identical
equal
uniform
Antonyms
different
unequal
diverse
noun
Definition
A person who believes that the Son and the Father are of the same essence, according to a Christian doctrine established in the fourth century.
Example
The homoousian argued that the Son is coequal with the Father in the Nicene Creed.
Conversation
I was reading about early Christian theology and came across the term homoousian.
Oh really? What does that mean exactly?
It refers to someone who believes that the Son is of the same substance as the Father.
Root Explanation
Homoousian → It is formed from "homo-" (from Greek "homos", meaning same) and "ousia" (from Greek "ousia", meaning essence or substance). The term refers to the belief in the same essence or substance, particularly in relation to the nature of Christ in Christian theology.
Memory Tip
Think of 'same' ('homo-') and 'essence' ('ousia') to remember that 'homoousian' refers to the belief in the same essence.
Visually Confused Words
monoousian