Jesuit
|jez-ju-it|
🇺🇸
/ˈdʒɛzjuɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˈdʒɛzjʊɪt/
member of the Society of Jesus
Etymology
'Jesuit' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'Iesuīta', where 'Iesu-' referred to 'Jesus'.
'Jesuit' changed from Early Modern Latin 'Iesuīta' and from French 'jésuite' and was borrowed into English as 'Jesuit' in the 16th century (the name ultimately traces back to Latin 'Iesus' and Greek 'Iēsous', from Hebrew 'Yeshua').
Initially, it referred specifically to a member of the religious order founded in the 16th century; over time the term also acquired a figurative sense meaning someone who is cunningly subtle or overly ingenious ('Jesuitical').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in the 16th century.
He was educated by Jesuit priests.
Synonyms
Noun 2
(usually derogatory or figurative) A person who uses clever, subtle, or unscrupulous tactics; one who is excessively subtle or cunning (often described as 'Jesuitical').
Critics accused him of being a Jesuit in debate, always finding loopholes in the argument.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the Society of Jesus or its members; characteristic of Jesuits.
She attended a Jesuit university.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/28 14:32