Arianist
|A-ri-an-ist|
🇺🇸
/ˈɛəriənɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˈeəriənɪst/
follower of Arianism (follower of Arius)
Etymology
'Arianist' originates from English, specifically from the word 'Arian' plus the suffix '-ist', where 'Arian' meant 'of or relating to Arius' (the 4th-century presbyter) and '-ist' meant 'one who practices or is concerned with'.
'Arianist' changed from the adjective/noun form 'Arian' (itself formed from the proper name 'Arius' via Latin/Greek usage) with the productive English suffix '-ist' added to denote an adherent; this yielded the modern English word 'Arianist'.
Initially, it meant 'a follower of Arius' specifically; over time it has come to mean more broadly 'an adherent of Arianism' or 'one who holds that the Son is subordinate to the Father'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a follower or adherent of Arius or of the theological doctrine known as Arianism (the belief that the Son is subordinate to the Father).
He was accused of being an Arianist during the fourth-century controversies.
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Noun 2
used more generally, someone who espouses or sympathizes with doctrines that deny the full divinity of Christ in favor of a hierarchical relation with God the Father.
Modern historians study Arianists to understand early cristological debates.
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Last updated: 2025/12/24 16:58