theism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Philosophical
Quick answer
What does “theism” mean?
Belief in the existence of a god or gods, specifically a personal creator god who intervenes in the universe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Belief in the existence of a god or gods, specifically a personal creator god who intervenes in the universe.
Often contrasted with deism (belief in a non-intervening creator) and atheism. In philosophical contexts, it can denote a specific position on the nature of divine reality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly higher frequency in UK academic writing on religion.
Connotations
Neutral descriptive term in academia; can be used pejoratively in polemical anti-religious discourse.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in general discourse, common in religious studies, philosophy, and theology.
Grammar
How to Use “theism” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + theism (e.g., classical theism)theism + [Preposition] (e.g., theism in the modern age)debate about/over theismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “theism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- Her theistic worldview informed her ethics.
- The debate focused on theistic arguments from design.
American English
- His theistic convictions were unshaken.
- A theistic perspective on the origin of life.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in philosophy of religion and theology. E.g., 'The essay contrasts Hume's critique of theism with Kant's moral argument.'
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in educated discussion about religion. E.g., 'I find the arguments for theism unconvincing.'
Technical
Used precisely to denote belief in a personal, intervening deity as opposed to deism or pantheism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “theism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “theism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “theism”
- Confusing 'theism' with 'deism'.
- Using 'theism' to mean 'religion' in general (it's more specific).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈθaɪ.ɪ.zəm/ (like 'thy').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Theism believes in a personal God who actively intervenes in the world. Deism believes in an impersonal creator who does not intervene after the initial creation.
Typically, no. Most forms of Buddhism are non-theistic, as they do not focus on belief in a creator god, though they may include divine beings.
Yes. Theism is a belief position. One can believe in a personal God (be a theist) without following the doctrines of a specific religion.
An atheist (someone who lacks belief in gods) or an antitheist (someone who is opposed to theism).
Belief in the existence of a god or gods, specifically a personal creator god who intervenes in the universe.
Theism is usually formal, academic, philosophical in register.
Theism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθiː.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθiː.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Leap of faith (related concept)”
- “God-fearing (related attitude)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'THEIsm' has 'THE' in it, like 'THE God' it refers to.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEISM IS A FOUNDATION (for a worldview/morality). THEISM IS A LENS (through which to see the world).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the direct antonym of 'theism'?