'antitheologian' originates from Greek elements and English formation: the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') meaning 'against' combined with 'theologian' (from Greek 'theologia' via Latin/Old French/Medieval English), where 'theologia' meant 'discourse about God'.

'theologian' comes from Medieval Latin 'theologus' and Old French forms derived from Greek 'theologia'; the English noun 'theologian' developed through Middle English. The compound 'antitheologian' is a modern English formation combining the prefix 'anti-' + 'theologian'.

Initially the elements meant 'against' + 'discourse about God'; the compound has retained the basic sense of 'one who is against theologians or theology' in modern usage.