theopathy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency / Archaic)Academic / Historical / Literary / Theological
Quick answer
What does “theopathy” mean?
A state of religious or mystical passion, often involving direct spiritual experience of or union with the divine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of religious or mystical passion, often involving direct spiritual experience of or union with the divine.
In broader, sometimes historical or literary contexts, can refer to a condition of intense emotional religious fervor, or a perceived susceptibility to divine inspiration or possession.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in usage, as the term is equally archaic in both varieties. Any modern usage is almost exclusively found in historical or theological academic texts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is of an outdated, specialist term from the history of religion or mysticism.
Frequency
Extremely rare to non-existent in contemporary usage outside highly specialized academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “theopathy” in a Sentence
experience [theopathy]fall into [a state of theopathy]describe the [theopathy] ofVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “theopathy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The theopathic writings of the medieval mystics were examined in the seminar.
- He described a theopathic state of passive receptivity.
American English
- Her research focuses on theopathic experiences within early American Protestant groups.
- The poem evokes a theopathic union with the divine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or literary studies to describe specific states of religious experience, particularly in 18th-19th century texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A technical term within the history of Christian mysticism and pietist movements.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “theopathy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “theopathy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “theopathy”
- Misspelling as "theopathey" or "theopothy".
- Using it as a synonym for common 'religious feeling'.
- Confusing it with 'theocracy' (government by God).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic, specialised term used almost exclusively in academic writing about historical religious experiences.
Not inherently. It is a descriptive term for a state of religious passion. However, depending on the author's perspective, it could be portrayed positively (as genuine mystical experience) or negatively (as excessive emotionalism).
'Theology' is the rational, intellectual study of God and religious beliefs. 'Theopathy' refers to the direct, emotional, often non-rational experience of or feeling for the divine.
Yes, 'theopathic' is the related adjective, meaning relating to or characterized by theopathy.
A state of religious or mystical passion, often involving direct spiritual experience of or union with the divine.
Theopathy is usually academic / historical / literary / theological in register.
Theopathy: in British English it is pronounced /θiːˈɒpəθi/, and in American English it is pronounced /θiˈɑːpəθi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: THEO (God) + PATHY (feeling/suffering) = a feeling for/from God.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVINE INFLUENCE IS A FORCE ACTING UPON THE SOUL (The soul is a vessel filled by God).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'theopathy' be most appropriately used?