'cataphatic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'kataphatikos' (from 'kataphasis'), where 'kata-' meant 'down' or 'according to' and the root related to 'speaking' or 'manifestation' (from Greek 'phainein', meaning 'to show').

'cataphatic' changed from the Medieval/Latin word 'cataphaticus' and was used in theological Latin before entering English as the modern word 'cataphatic'.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to affirmation or positive statement', but over time it evolved into its current specialized meaning of 'using affirmative or descriptive language about the divine (as opposed to apophatic or negative theology)'.