arianism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic / Historical / Theological
Quick answer
What does “arianism” mean?
An influential Christian heresy of the 4th century AD, named after the theologian Arius, which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ, teaching that the Son was created by and subordinate to the Father.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An influential Christian heresy of the 4th century AD, named after the theologian Arius, which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ, teaching that the Son was created by and subordinate to the Father.
In a broader historical sense, it can refer to any later theological doctrine or movement that similarly denies the co-equality of God the Son with God the Father, or any rigid adherence to doctrinal purity reminiscent of such theological disputes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between BrE and AmE. The word is equally specialized in both variants.
Connotations
In both regions, the primary connotation is historical and theological. It carries a strong sense of 'classical heresy' and historical controversy.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; found almost exclusively in historical, theological, or religious studies texts. No notable frequency difference between BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “arianism” in a Sentence
[Subject] (e.g., The council, a theologian) condemned/rejected/fought against Arianism.Arianism spread/declined/persisted in [Location/Time].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arianism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Theologians sought to Arianise the creed, but the council resisted.
- He was accused of Arianising the doctrine.
American English
- Efforts to Arianize the church's teachings were ultimately defeated.
- The bishop was charged with attempting to Arianize the liturgy.
adverb
British English
- The sermon argued Arianly about the nature of Christ.
- (Extremely rare usage)
American English
- He interpreted the scripture Arianly, focusing on subordination.
- (Extremely rare usage)
adjective
British English
- Arian beliefs were condemned at Nicaea.
- The Gothic tribes were often Arian Christians.
American English
- Arian theology posed a major challenge to early church unity.
- He wrote a treatise against Arian teachings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and theology papers to describe the 4th-century controversy and its impact on church doctrine and politics.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in historical theology and church history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arianism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arianism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arianism”
- Misspelling as 'Aryanism'. Confusing it with modern Unitarianism or other non-Trinitarian beliefs without historical specificity. Using it as a general synonym for 'heresy' outside its precise historical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. 'Arianism' is a 4th-century Christian theological heresy. 'Aryan' relates to Indo-European languages/peoples, and 'Aryanism' is a racist ideology associated with Nazism.
Not in the strict, historical sense. Some modern non-Trinitarian Christian groups (like Jehovah's Witnesses) hold Christological views sometimes compared to Arianism, but they are distinct movements with different origins and are not direct continuations of the ancient heresy.
It was declared heretical because it contradicted the developing orthodox doctrine of the Trinity, specifically the belief that the Son (Jesus Christ) is 'consubstantial' (of the same substance) and co-eternal with the Father, as formalized in the Nicene Creed.
Both are non-Trinitarian, but Arianism (4th century) typically held that the Son was divine but created and subordinate. Socinianism (16th-17th centuries) was a later Unitarian movement that often denied the pre-existence and full divinity of Christ altogether, viewing him as a human uniquely inspired by God.
An influential Christian heresy of the 4th century AD, named after the theologian Arius, which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ, teaching that the Son was created by and subordinate to the Father.
Arianism is usually academic / historical / theological in register.
Arianism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɛːrɪənɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛriəˌnɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms feature this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ARIANism' - ARIAn was a person. His 'ISM' was his belief system that caused a big split in the early church.
Conceptual Metaphor
HERESY IS A DISEASE/CONTAGION (e.g., 'the spread of Arianism'), ORTHODOXY IS A FOUNDATION/STRUCTURE (e.g., 'Arianism threatened the foundations of church doctrine').
Practice
Quiz
What was the central tenet of Arianism?