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noun

theist

THEE-ist

Theist (noun) means a person who believes that at least one god exists, especially a god who created the world and remains involved in it. Example: “As a theist, she sees no conflict between prayer and evolutionary biology.”

noun
1
A person who believes that at least one god exists, especially a god who created the world and remains involved in it.
"As a theist, she sees no conflict between prayer and evolutionary biology."
"The debate was billed as a theist against an atheist."
adjective
1
Holding or relating to a belief in a god or gods.
"He offers a theist reading of the same evidence."

How to use theist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who believes God exists.

When to use it

Mainly used in philosophy, theology and formal debate; in everyday speech people usually say believer or religious.

Memory tip

A theist believes in a god who is active in the world; a deist believes a god created the world and then left it to run itself.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
deist atheist agnostic pantheist
Common pairings
a classical theist theist and atheist theist philosopher
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

As a _____, she sees no conflict between prayer and evolutionary biology.

Etymology

From Greek theos 'god', plus the suffix -ist.

Origin: Greek

Related words

Rhymes for theist

See all rhymes for theist →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a theist and a deist?

Both believe a god exists, but a theist believes that god remains involved in the world and may answer prayer or intervene, whereas a deist believes the creator set the universe going and has not interfered since. Deism therefore rejects revelation and miracles.

What is the difference between a theist and an agnostic?

Theism and atheism are positions about belief, while agnosticism is a position about knowledge. Someone can be an agnostic theist — believing in a god while accepting that it cannot be proved.

What is the meaning of theist?

"theist" (noun) means a person who believes that at least one god exists, especially a god who created the world and remains involved in it.

What is another word for theist?

Other words for "theist" include believer, theistic.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from FreeDict original editorial