tertullian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialist)Academic / Historical / Theological
Quick answer
What does “tertullian” mean?
Pertaining to Tertullian (c. 155–c.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Pertaining to Tertullian (c. 155–c. 240 AD), an early Christian theologian and Church Father from Carthage.
Characteristic of his rigorous, ascetic, and uncompromising theological stance, often associated with moral severity, a staunch defense of orthodoxy, and a polemical style against heresy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning; the term is confined to specialist discourse in both regions.
Connotations
Scholarly, historical, ecclesiastical. May imply a strict, uncompromising approach to doctrine.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. Found in patristics, church history, and historical theology texts.
Grammar
How to Use “tertullian” in a Sentence
[be] Tertullian in [aspect][demonstrate] Tertullian [quality]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tertullian” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The scholar's analysis had a distinctly Tertullian flavour, emphasising stark moral choices.
American English
- His argument reflected a Tertullian commitment to doctrinal purity above all else.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and philosophical discourse to reference the figure or his influence.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific to patristics and church history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tertullian”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tertullian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tertullian”
- Using 'Tertullian' as a common noun (e.g., 'He is a Tertullian').
- Mispronouncing as /ˈtɜːrtʃʊliən/ or /tɛrˈtuːliən/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus was an early Christian author from Carthage, a founder of Latin Christian theology, known for his ascetic and polemical writings.
No. It is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in academic contexts related to church history or theology.
It describes ideas, styles, or qualities associated with Tertullian: rigorous, uncompromising, morally severe, and defensively orthodox.
Rarely and only to refer to the person himself (e.g., 'Tertullian argued that...'). It is not used as a common noun for a follower.
Pertaining to Tertullian (c. 155–c.
Tertullian is usually academic / historical / theological in register.
Tertullian: in British English it is pronounced /təˈtʌlɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /tərˈtʌliən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a Tertullian turn of phrase”
- “Tertullian severity”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Tertullian Took A Tough Line: Think of the 'T's for his tough, trenchant theological tone.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTELLECTUAL RIGOUR IS MORAL ASCETICISM.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Tertullian' primarily used?