apostolos: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal / Academic / Theological
Quick answer
What does “apostolos” mean?
The direct New Testament Greek word for 'apostle,' a commissioned messenger or envoy sent out on a mission.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The direct New Testament Greek word for 'apostle,' a commissioned messenger or envoy sent out on a mission.
In modern Greek and theological contexts, a person who is sent out, particularly a pioneering missionary or founding figure in a religious movement. Can be used metaphorically for a zealous proponent of any cause.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences; usage is identical and confined to the same highly specialized contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations of scholarship, theological precision, or referencing original biblical language.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, with a slight potential edge in British English due to the influence of older classical/religious scholarship traditions.
Grammar
How to Use “apostolos” in a Sentence
Apostolos of [doctrine/nation/group]Apostolos to [place/people]the Apostolos [proper name, e.g., Paul]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apostolos” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not a verb.
American English
- N/A - not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - not an adjective.
American English
- N/A - not an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biblical studies, theology, and historical papers discussing early Christianity or Greek terminology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
A precise term in theology, lexicography, or Greek philology to denote the original word and its nuances.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apostolos”
- Using it in everyday language instead of 'apostle'.
- Misspelling as 'apostolous', 'apostales', or 'apostolos' (capitalisation not necessary unless starting a sentence).
- Pronouncing it with a hard 't' sound (like in 'top') rather than the softer 't' as in 'butter'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'apostolos' is the original Greek word from which the English 'apostle' is derived. Using 'apostolos' in English text signals a focus on the Greek term itself, its linguistic properties, or its specific theological nuance.
Use 'apostolos' only in very formal, academic, or theological contexts where you are deliberately referencing the Greek language. In all other writing and speech, use 'apostle'.
In British English, it's pronounced /əˈpɒstəlɒs/ (uh-POS-tuh-loss). In American English, it's /əˈpɑːstələs/ (uh-PAHS-tuh-luhs). The stress is on the second syllable.
Yes, 'Apostolos' is a common modern Greek first name. In that context, it is a proper noun and should be capitalised (e.g., Apostolos gave a speech).
The direct New Testament Greek word for 'apostle,' a commissioned messenger or envoy sent out on a mission.
Apostolos is usually formal / academic / theological in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An apostolos to the gentiles (specific biblical reference)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine 'A POST of LOS(t) sheep.' The apostle (Apostolos) is sent to the lost sheep to guide them.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HUMAN IS A SENT MESSAGE; the messenger embodies the message they are sent to deliver.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'apostolos' most appropriately used in modern English?