circumincession: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely RareHighly Technical / Theological / Formal Academic
Quick answer
What does “circumincession” mean?
The mutual interpenetration and indwelling of the three persons of the Trinity in Christian theology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The mutual interpenetration and indwelling of the three persons of the Trinity in Christian theology; mutual pervasion without confusion.
In a broader or metaphorical sense, the profound, inseparable interrelationship or interpenetration of distinct entities, principles, or forces.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant national usage differences exist, as usage is confined to specialised theological academia.
Connotations
Carries exclusively theological and high-academic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Virtually never encountered outside specific theological texts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “circumincession” in a Sentence
The circumincession of [the Divine Persons]to explain [something] through the concept of circumincessionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “circumincession” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No established verb form. Hypothetical: 'The Persons circumincesse.']
American English
- [No established verb form. Hypothetical: 'The Persons circumincesse.']
adverb
British English
- [No established adverb form.]
American English
- [No established adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- The circumincessionary relationship of the Trinity is a core mystery.
- A circumincessionary model of love was proposed.
American English
- The circumincessionary life of the Godhead is central to his thesis.
- Their argument relied on a circumincessionary dynamic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used exclusively in advanced theological and philosophical papers on the Trinity.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary domain. A precise term in systematic theology and Christian metaphysics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “circumincession”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “circumincession”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “circumincession”
- Misspelling as 'circumincession' (double 'c') or 'circumincession'.
- Using it outside a theological context.
- Confusing it with 'circumvention' or 'procession'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are essentially synonymous theological terms for the mutual indwelling of the Trinity, with 'perichoresis' being the more common Greek-derived term.
No. It is an extremely rare technical term that would be incomprehensible and inappropriate in general conversation.
It derives from the Latin 'circum' (around) and 'incedere' (to go, to advance), creating a sense of 'moving around within'.
It is a classical Christian doctrine, affirmed by both Catholic and Protestant orthodox theologies as a way of explaining Trinitarian unity.
The mutual interpenetration and indwelling of the three persons of the Trinity in Christian theology.
Circumincession is usually highly technical / theological / formal academic in register.
Circumincession: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɜːkəmɪnˈsɛʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɜːrkəmɪnˈsɛʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none applicable for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CIRCLES moving IN a SESSION together perfectly—CIRCUM-IN-SESSION—to recall the 'mutual indwelling' of the Trinity.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE INTERIORITY OF DIVINE PERSONS IS A PERFECT, ETERNAL DANCE OF MUTUAL INDWELLING.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'circumincession' exclusively used?