ENGLISH
REFERENCE

christianity

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate US //ˌkɹɪstʃiˈænɪti// chris·tian·i·ty Archaic

n. the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is one of the world's largest religions and includes many different groups like Catholics and Protestants.

n. the monotheistic religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices. It encompasses various denominations and traditions globally.


SIMPLE

Christianity is the most common religion in this country.

CONTEXTUAL

The history of Europe was deeply influenced by the spread of Christianity during the Middle Ages.

COMPLEX

Scholars often examine how Christianity adapted to local customs as it spread across different continents, resulting in a diverse array of liturgical practices and cultural expressions.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English Cristiente, Cristente, borrowed from Old French crestienté, from Medieval Latin stem of Chrīstiānitās, from Latin christianus, Christianus, from Ancient Greek Χριστιανός (Khristianós), from Χριστός (Khristós, “Christ, anointed one”) + Latin -anus (“suffix for of, related to”) + one more suffix borrowed from Latin "ity" makes the final Christian + -ity. The term was respelled in the early modern English period to more closely reflect its Latin etymon.

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to the faith; can be used with an article when referring to a specific historical or regional form.

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