noun
Common
theology
thee-O-luh-jee
Theology (noun) means the systematic study of religious belief, God, or gods. Example: “He teaches theology at a small university in the north.”
noun
1
The systematic study of religious belief, God, or gods.
"He teaches theology at a small university in the north."
"She earned a degree in theology before becoming a minister."
"Christian theology explores questions about the nature of God."
2
A particular set of religious beliefs or doctrines held by a group.
"Her family's theology puts kindness above strict rules."
"Each church in the town has its own theology."
"The two denominations follow quite different theologies."
How to use theology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe formal, academic study of religion and beliefs about God.
Common pairings
study theology
a degree in theology
liberation theology
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like theology.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- theologies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He teaches _____ at a small university in the north.
Etymology
From Greek theologia, built from theos ("god") plus logos ("word, study").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for theology
See all rhymes for theology →Frequently asked questions
What does “theology” mean?
The word “theology” means the systematic study of religious belief, God, or gods. In plain terms, the formal, academic study of religion and beliefs about God.
How do you pronounce “theology”?
“Theology” is pronounced thee-O-luh-jee (/θiˈɒ.lə.d͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “theology” in a sentence?
Here is “theology” used in a sentence: “She earned a degree in theology before becoming a minister.”
What part of speech is “theology”?
“Theology” is a noun.
Where does the word “theology” come from?
The word “theology” comes from Greek. From Greek theologia, built from theos ("god") plus logos ("word, study").
Is “theology” a common word?
“Theology” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “theology” have?
“Theology” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the systematic study of religious belief, God, or gods.
What is the difference between theology and religion?
Religion is a system of faith and worship, while theology is the systematic study of religious belief, God, or gods. A person can study theology academically without personally being religious.
What is the difference between theology and philosophy?
Theology studies religious belief, God, or gods, usually working from within a particular faith's doctrines. Philosophy uses reason to examine broad questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics, without assuming any religious doctrine.
What is the difference between theology and doctrine?
Theology is the study and analysis of religious belief, while doctrine is the specific set of beliefs a religious group teaches. Theology can examine, defend, or develop a group's doctrine.
What does a theologian do?
A theologian studies religious belief, God or gods, and doctrine in a systematic way. This can involve analyzing sacred texts, interpreting doctrine, and exploring questions about faith.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include theology:
