Alexandrianism
|Al-ex-an-dri-an-ism|
/ˌælɪɡˈzændriənɪzəm/
doctrine or style from Alexandria
Etymology
'Alexandrianism' originates from Modern English, specifically from the adjective 'Alexandrian' combined with the suffix '-ism', where 'Alexandrian' meant 'of or relating to Alexandria' and '-ism' denotes 'doctrine, movement, or characteristic practice'.
'Alexandrian' ultimately derives from Latin 'Alexandria', from Greek 'Ἀλεξάνδρεια' ('Alexandréia'), named for 'Alexander' (Greek 'Ἀλέξανδρος' meaning 'defender of men'); the formation 'Alexandrianism' developed in English by attaching '-ism' to denote a school, doctrine, or tendency associated with Alexandria.
Initially the root indicated geographic or personal association with Alexandria or Alexander; over time the compound 'Alexandrianism' came to mean not just origin but an identifiable doctrinal, stylistic, or textual tendency associated with that tradition or place.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a doctrine, interpretive method, or intellectual tendency associated with the scholars and theological tradition of ancient Alexandria (notably allegorical exegesis).
Alexandrianism shaped much early Christian biblical interpretation through allegorical readings.
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Noun 2
a characteristic style or cultural tendency associated with the city of Alexandria, especially in literature, scholarship, or art (erudition, cosmopolitanism, learned refinement).
Critics noted a touch of Alexandrianism in the poet's dense classical allusions and scholarly tone.
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Noun 3
in textual criticism, a preference for or alignment with the Alexandrian text-type of New Testament manuscripts.
Some editors defended Alexandrianism when choosing base texts for a modern critical edition of the Gospel.
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Last updated: 2025/11/09 22:28