infralapsarian
|in-fra-lap-sar-i-an|
🇺🇸
/ˌɪnfrəˌlæpsəˈreɪriən/
🇬🇧
/ˌɪnfrəˌlæpsəˈreəriən/
placing after the Fall (ordering after the fall)
Etymology
'infralapsarian' originates from New Latin, specifically from Latin elements 'infra' (meaning 'below' or 'after') + 'lapsus' (meaning 'a fall'), with the adjectival suffix '-arian'.
'infralapsarian' developed from theological Latin formations (e.g. 'infralapsarius') and entered English theological vocabulary in the post-Reformation period to name the position; it has been used in English discussions of predestination since the 17th century.
Initially, the components meant 'below/after the fall' in a literal morphological sense; over time the compound came to denote specifically the theological ordering of divine decrees (the infralapsarian position).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the doctrine or position (in theology) that places God's decree of election after the fall; also used of a person who holds that view.
The infralapsarian view contrasts with the supralapsarian position on the order of divine decrees.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the theological view that God's decree of election is ordered after (or with reference to) the Fall of Adam; of or pertaining to infralapsarianism.
He defended an infralapsarian position in the debate on predestination.
Synonyms
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Last updated: 2025/11/02 00:22