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 notesIn 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
Common pairings
a classical theist
theist and atheist
theist philosopher
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As a _____, she sees no conflict between prayer and evolutionary biology.
Etymology
From Greek theos 'god', plus the suffix -ist.
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, theistical.
