messianism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “messianism” mean?
The belief in or expectation of a messiah—a saviour or liberator—who will bring about a radical transformation or redemption.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The belief in or expectation of a messiah—a saviour or liberator—who will bring about a radical transformation or redemption.
Refers more broadly to any zealous belief in a transformative leader, ideology, or movement that promises to deliver people from a perceived crisis or corrupt state, often involving fervent devotion and a sense of divine or historic mission. Can be used in political, social, and technological contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or grammatical differences. The term is used with equal specificity in both dialects.
Connotations
In both dialects, the theological meaning is neutral, while the secular/political use often carries negative, critical connotations of naivety or fanaticism.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both, slightly more common in academic and journalistic writing than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “messianism” in a Sentence
The messianism of [person/group]to be imbued with messianismto espouse messianisma form of messianismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “messianism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The movement began to *messianise* its followers, promising a new dawn.
American English
- The rhetoric served to *messianize* the political struggle.
adverb
British English
- He spoke *messianically* about the project's potential.
American English
- They believed *messianically* in the technology's power.
adjective
British English
- He adopted a *messianic* tone during the crisis.
American English
- The leader's *messianic* fervor was unmistakable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used critically to describe a CEO or founder believed to be a singular saviour of the company ('the board grew wary of the founder's messianism').
Academic
Common in theology, religious studies, political science, and history to describe belief systems or movements.
Everyday
Very rare. Used only in educated discussion of politics or religion.
Technical
Specific term in theology and sociology of religion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “messianism”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “messianism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “messianism”
- Misspelling: 'messiahism' (less standard).
- Confusing with 'Messiah' (the person) rather than the belief system.
- Using it as a synonym for simple 'hope' or 'optimism' without the fervent, transformative, or redemptive element.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin and core meaning are religious (belief in a messiah), it is commonly used in secular contexts to describe fervent, quasi-religious belief in a political leader, ideology, or technology.
They are closely related. Messianism focuses on belief in a saviour figure. Millenarianism (or chiliasm) focuses on belief in a coming thousand-year period of peace and prosperity, often initiated by a messiah. They often overlap.
Yes, but primarily within its original religious context where it is a neutral theological term. In secular use, it is almost always critical, implying unrealistic or dangerous fervour.
Yes, 'messianic' is the common adjective (e.g., messianic complex, messianic zeal).
The belief in or expectation of a messiah—a saviour or liberator—who will bring about a radical transformation or redemption.
Messianism is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Messianism: in British English it is pronounced /mɛˈsaɪ.ə.nɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈsaɪ.ə.nɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He/She/It] has taken on a messianic quality.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MESSIAH + ISM. The 'ism' (a doctrine) of believing in a messiah (a saviour).
Conceptual Metaphor
BELIEF IS A FORCE (a fervent, driving force), A LEADER IS A SAVIOUR, POLITICS IS RELIGION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'messianism' LEAST likely to be used neutrally?