parousia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “parousia” mean?
The Second Coming of Christ, especially as a future event marking the end of the current age.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The Second Coming of Christ, especially as a future event marking the end of the current age.
In Christian theology, the future return of Jesus Christ in glory to judge the living and the dead and to establish the Kingdom of God fully on earth. In a broader sense, sometimes used to refer to any important or anticipated arrival or manifestation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical theological connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher frequency in academic theological texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “parousia” in a Sentence
The [parousia] of [NP (e.g., Christ, the Lord)]Preparation for the [parousia]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, and historical analysis of early Christian texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A technical term in Christian eschatology with a precise theological definition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parousia”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parousia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parousia”
- Misspelling: 'parousa', 'parusia'. Mispronunciation: placing stress on the first syllable (e.g., /ˈpærəsiə/). Using it as a general synonym for 'arrival' in non-theological contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in theological or academic religious contexts.
Yes, it is often capitalized ('Parousia') when referring specifically to the event in Christian doctrine, similar to 'Second Coming'.
It comes from the Greek word 'παρουσία' (parousía), meaning 'presence', 'arrival', or 'official visit'.
In its original Greek, it meant a general 'arrival' or 'presence'. However, in modern English, its use outside of Christian theological reference is extremely rare and typically alludes to that concept.
The Second Coming of Christ, especially as a future event marking the end of the current age.
Parousia is usually formal, academic, religious in register.
Parousia: in British English it is pronounced /ˌparʊˈsʌɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɛrəˈsiːə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms feature this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **PARade** of angels in the sk**y** (**SKY-A**) announcing the arrival of the king: Pa-rou-sia.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE END OF HISTORY IS THE ARRIVAL OF A KING/JUDGE.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'parousia' primarily used?