ENGLISH
REFERENCE

theist

n. countable
C1 Advanced UK //θˈiːɪst// the·ist

n. a person who believes that at least one god exists. You use this word to describe someone who thinks a divine creator made and watches over the universe.

n. a person who believes in the existence of at least one deity, particularly a creator who intervenes in the universe. Frequently contrasted with an atheist or a deist in theological and philosophical contexts.


SIMPLE

As a theist, she prays every morning and attends religious services.

CONTEXTUAL

The debate featured a theist arguing that the universe requires a conscious creator, while the atheist argued that natural laws explain everything.

COMPLEX

While a deist believes in a distant creator who stepped back after framing the universe, a theist typically maintains that God remains actively involved in human affairs and answers prayers.

Synonyms
Origin

From Ancient Greek θεός (theós, “god”) + -ist.

Usage

Frequently contrasted with 'atheist' or 'deist'; often takes the prefix 'mono-' or 'poly-' to specify the number of deities worshipped.

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