English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

noun

theism

THEE-iz-uhm

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Theism (noun) means Belief in the existence of at least one god. Example: “Her theism shaped the way she thought about right and wrong.”

noun

1

Belief in the existence of at least one god.

"Her theism shaped the way she thought about right and wrong."

"Theism and atheism sit at opposite ends of the debate about whether any god exists."

"The course compares theism with other views on the existence of a creator."

How to use theism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBelieving that a god, or gods, exist.

When to use it

Theism is a neutral, academic term used in philosophy and religious studies rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember that theism just means belief a god exists; it does not by itself say which religion or how many gods.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

deism → atheism →

Common pairings

forms of theism theism versus atheism classical theism philosophical theism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ shaped the way she thought about right and wrong.

Etymology

Formed in English from the element theo-, taken from the Ancient Greek word for god, joined to the suffix -ism. The word is recorded from 1678, with the related word theist appearing slightly earlier, in 1662. French borrowed the matching term théisme from English.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

religion

Antonyms

atheism

Related words

faith religion atheism epicureanism irreligion

Rhymes for theism

atheism pandeism henotheism

See all rhymes for theism →

Frequently asked questions

What does theism mean?

Theism means believing that at least one god exists. It covers any belief in a deity, not one particular religion.

What is the difference between theism and deism?

Deism is one narrower form of theism. General theism just means believing a god or gods exist, without specifying how that god relates to the world.

Is theism the same as a religion?

Not quite. Theism is the underlying belief that a god exists, while a religion is a wider system of practice and teaching that may or may not be built on that belief.

What is the meaning of theism?

"theism" (noun) means belief in the existence of at least one god.

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faith religion atheism epicureanism irreligion