Word
theism
Phoneticsthe·ism
US/ˈθiɪzəm/
UK/θˈiːɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the belief that one or more gods exist and are active in the world.
n. belief in the existence of one or more gods, typically conceived as active in the ordering and governance of the universe. Frequently contrasted with atheism and deism.
Examples
“Theism shapes how many people see the world.”
“In class they compare theism with atheism to understand different views of religion.”
“Philosophical debates about theism often turn not on ritual but on whether a personal creator can coexist with suffering and scientific explanation.”
Examples
simple
“Theism shapes how many people see the world.”
contextual
“In class they compare theism with atheism to understand different views of religion.”
complex
“Philosophical debates about theism often turn not on ritual but on whether a personal creator can coexist with suffering and scientific explanation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “theism” in context.
Verb
01. argue for theism
“Aquinas used reason to argue for theism in his five ways.”
verb + prep + noun
02. defend theism
“The philosopher wrote a book to defend theism against atheist objections.”
verb + noun
03. embrace theism
“After years of doubt, she embraced theism in graduate school.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. classical theism
“Classical theism holds that God is timeless, immutable and omnipotent.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. case for theism
“He presented a strong philosophical case for theism.”
noun + prep + noun
06. critique of theism
“Freud offered a psychological critique of theism as wish fulfilment.”
noun + prep + noun
07. form of theism
“Deism is a minimalist form of theism without miracles.”
noun + prep + noun
08. alternative to classical theism
“Process theology offers an alternative to classical theism.”
09. challenge to traditional theism
“Evil poses a serious challenge to traditional theism.”
10. commitment to christian theism
“His commitment to Christian theism shapes his ethics.”
11. defend classical theism
“The professor continues to defend classical theism in his lectures.”
12. make a case for theism
“The debate tried to make a case for theism using cosmology.”
Etymology
Coined, theo- + -ism. ultimately from Ancient Greek θεός (theós, “god”). Attested in English from 1678, theist being attested 16 years earlier in 1662. Cognate French théisme, as in Diderot Principes de la philosophie morale (1745), which was probably borrowed from English.
Borrowing from New Latin thea (“tea”, noun) + English -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Antonyms
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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