apostolicism
|a-pos-to-lis-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˌæpəˈstɑlɪsɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌæpəˈstɒlɪsɪz(ə)m/
belief in apostolic authority
Etymology
'apostolicism' originates from Greek and Late Latin elements: from Greek 'apostolos' (ἀπόστολος) meaning 'one sent away', via Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'apostolicus', plus the English noun-forming suffix '-ism'.
'apostolos' (Greek) gave rise to Latin/Medieval Latin 'apostolicus' (meaning 'of or relating to an apostle'), which passed into Middle English as 'apostolic' and was later extended with '-ism' to form 'apostolicism' in modern English.
Initially it related simply to being 'of or pertaining to an apostle'; over time it came to denote the specific doctrine or movement that emphasizes apostolic authority, succession, or practices.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the belief or doctrine that emphasizes the authority, teachings, and traditions derived from the apostles (especially regarding church authority and succession).
Apostolicism asserts that legitimate church authority rests on an unbroken succession from the apostles.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a movement or tendency within Christianity that seeks to restore or maintain practices, governance, and beliefs understood to originate with the apostles.
In some periods of church history, apostolicism motivated reforms aimed at recovering early-church practices.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/22 09:36