coeternity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialised/Rare)Formal, Literary, Theological
Quick answer
What does “coeternity” mean?
The state or quality of being eternal together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state or quality of being eternal together; existing for an equal, infinite duration.
In theology and philosophy, the shared, simultaneous eternity of two or more entities, most commonly applied to the relationship between members of the Trinity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. Usage is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical; carries strong theological/philosophical connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects, found almost exclusively in theological, metaphysical, or high literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “coeternity” in a Sentence
the coeternity of [X] and [Y]exist in coeternity with [X]argue for the coeternity of [X]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coeternity” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The coeternal nature of the divine persons is a core doctrine.
- They are considered coeternal and consubstantial.
American English
- The theological debate centred on whether the Son was coeternal with the Father.
- A belief in a coeternal triad.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, philosophical, or historical theology papers discussing divine attributes or the Trinity.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A precise term in systematic theology and certain metaphysical frameworks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coeternity”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coeternity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coeternity”
- Misspelling as 'co-eternety' or 'coeternaty'.
- Using it as a synonym for simple 'eternity', omitting the crucial mutual aspect.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable (KO-e-ter-ni-ty) instead of the third (ko-e-TER-ni-ty).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialised term used almost exclusively in theological, philosophical, or high literary contexts.
'Eternity' refers to infinite duration. 'Coeternity' specifically refers to two or more entities sharing that infinite duration equally and simultaneously.
It can be used poetically or philosophically (e.g., 'the coeternity of love and loss'), but such usage is very uncommon. Its primary domain remains theology.
The correct adjective is 'coeternal'. For example, 'the coeternal beings'.
The state or quality of being eternal together.
Coeternity is usually formal, literary, theological in register.
Coeternity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊ.ɪˈtɜː.nə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊ.ɪˈtɝː.nə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CO-ETERNITY' as 'CO-workers in ETERNITY' – existing forever together, side-by-side.
Conceptual Metaphor
ETERNITY IS A SHARED SPACE / ETERNAL BEINGS ARE CO-EQUAL INHABITANTS OF TIME.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'coeternity' MOST precisely used?