Calvinist
|cal-vin-ist|
/ˈkæl.vɪ.nɪst/
follower or supporter of Calvin/Calvinism
Etymology
'Calvinist' originates from French, specifically the word 'calviniste', named after the theologian Jean Calvin (French: Jean Cauvin, Latinized as 'Calvinus').
'Calvinist' entered English from French 'calviniste' in the 16th century, the adjective and noun forms developing to denote followers or doctrines associated with Jean Calvin; the name itself comes from Latinized 'Calvinus' for the surname 'Calvin'.
Initially, it meant 'a follower of John Calvin' (a personal/sectarian label); over time it broadened to mean 'anyone who adheres to or supports the doctrines of Calvinism' and to describe things relating to those doctrines.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a follower or adherent of John Calvin or of the theological system known as Calvinism.
She was raised a Calvinist and attended a Reformed church.
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Noun 2
a person who holds the theological beliefs associated with Calvinism (for example, the doctrines of predestination and the sovereignty of God).
Many early settlers in that region were Calvinists who emphasized predestination.
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Last updated: 2025/10/19 17:10