arimathaean
|ar-i-ma-the-an|
/ˌærɪməˈθiːən/
of or from Arimathea (relating to Joseph of Arimathea)
Etymology
'arimathaean' originates from Late Latin, specifically the place name 'Arimathaea', which comes from Greek 'Arimathēa', ultimately from Hebrew 'Ramathaim' where 'ramah' meant 'height' (often understood as 'two heights').
'arimathaean' changed from the Late Latin/Greek place name 'Arimathaea' (Greek 'Arimathēa') used in Biblical Latin and Medieval usage, and eventually became the adjectival and nominal form 'arimathaean' in modern English.
Initially it referred simply to the place name 'Arimathea' (and people from there); over time it evolved into an adjective and noun in English meaning 'relating to Arimathea' or 'a person from Arimathea,' and by extension to references to Joseph of Arimathea.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person from Arimathea, or (by extension) Joseph of Arimathea himself in historical or literary reference.
In the play he was portrayed as an Arimathaean who gave his tomb for the burial.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to Arimathea or to Joseph of Arimathea (biblical figure); pertaining to that place or its associations.
The sermon described the arimathaean tradition surrounding the burial.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/14 08:56