apocatastasis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely RareAcademic, Theological, Literary
Quick answer
What does “apocatastasis” mean?
The restoration of all things to their original, perfect state.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The restoration of all things to their original, perfect state; a final return to a primordial condition.
In Christian theology, the doctrine that all creatures, including fallen angels and the damned, will eventually be restored to God. In other contexts, it can refer to any philosophical or scientific theory proposing a cyclical return to an initial state or a final cosmic reconciliation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical scholarly/theological connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Virtually non-existent in everyday language in both the UK and US. Usage is confined to very specific academic fields.
Grammar
How to Use “apocatastasis” in a Sentence
The debate centred on the (possibility/impossibility) of apocatastasis.Origen's teaching on apocatastasis was (condemned/supported).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apocatastasis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Theologians debate whether all will be apocatastasised at the end of time.
American English
- Scholars discussed whether the universe could be said to apocatastasize in a cyclical model.
adjective
British English
- His argument presented an apocatastatic vision of the future.
American English
- The theory's apocatastatic conclusions were controversial.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theology, philosophy, and classical studies to discuss doctrines of universal salvation or cyclical history.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Rarely, in some scientific theories of cosmology referring to a 'big crunch' or cyclical universe models.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apocatastasis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apocatastasis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apocatastasis”
- Misspelling: 'apocatastasys', 'apocastasis'.
- Mispronunciation: Stressing the first syllable (AP-o-ca...) instead of the third (...ta-STAS-is).
- Using it as a synonym for any minor recovery or reform.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally considered a heterodox or minority view. It was formally condemned by several church councils, though it has been revisited by some modern theologians.
It comes from the Greek 'apokatastasis', meaning 'restoration' or 're-establishment' (apo- 'back' + kathistanai 'to set up').
Yes, though rarely. It can be used in philosophy to describe a return to a golden age, or in cosmology for theories of a cyclical universe returning to a singular state.
Origen of Alexandria (c. 184–c. 253 AD), an early Christian theologian and scholar, is most famously associated with the doctrine.
The restoration of all things to their original, perfect state.
Apocatastasis is usually academic, theological, literary in register.
Apocatastasis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌapə(ʊ)kəˈtastəsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæpəkəˈtæstəsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The apocatastasis of the spirit (a poetic/literary use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CATastrophe (CAT-ASTASIS) being completely reversed (APO- meaning 'back') – an APOCATASTASIS is the ultimate restoration after disaster.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE UNIVERSE IS A CIRCLE (returning to its start). HISTORY/SALVATION IS A CLEAN SLATE (wiped and restored).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'apocatastasis' primarily used?