monothelite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Historical, Theological
Quick answer
What does “monothelite” mean?
A historical adherent of the Christian doctrine that Christ had only one will, despite having two natures (divine and human).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical adherent of the Christian doctrine that Christ had only one will, despite having two natures (divine and human).
In a broader or figurative sense, a person characterized by rigid adherence to a single, often simplified, principle or viewpoint; a dogmatic unifier.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or pronunciation. The word is equally obscure in both varieties.
Connotations
Historical/religious scholarship; extreme doctrinal precision.
Frequency
Effectively zero in common usage; appears only in specialized historical or theological texts.
Grammar
How to Use “monothelite” in a Sentence
[be] labelled a Monothelite[condemn/oppose] the Monothelitesthe Monothelites [argued/held/maintained]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monothelite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The monothelite position was formally anathematised in 681.
American English
- Monothelite teachings were a major point of contention.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in historical, religious studies, or patristics contexts to discuss 7th-century Christological debates.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A precise theological term for a specific historical Christological position.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monothelite”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monothelite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monothelite”
- Misspelling as 'monothelete'.
- Confusing it with 'monotheist'.
- Using it in a modern context without explanation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialized historical/theological term.
In theory, yes, to describe someone stubbornly insisting on a single, simplistic principle. In practice, this usage is almost non-existent and would require explanation.
In historical theology, a Dyothelite, who upheld the doctrine of Christ's two wills (divine and human).
It was a major Christological issue in the 7th century AD, notably during the reign of Emperor Heraclius.
A historical adherent of the Christian doctrine that Christ had only one will, despite having two natures (divine and human).
Monothelite is usually formal, historical, theological in register.
Monothelite: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒnəʊˈθiːlaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːnəˈθiːlaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MONO (one) + THEL (from Greek 'thelēma' meaning 'will') + ITE (follower). A follower of the 'one-will' doctrine.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEOLOGICAL DOCTRINE IS A PHYSICAL POSITION (e.g., 'adhere to', 'hold the position', 'condemned').
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'Monothelite'?