lapsarian
|lap-sar-i-an|
/ˌlæpˈsɛəriən/
relating to a fall (the Fall of Man)
Etymology
'lapsarian' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'lapsarianus', where the root 'laps-' (from Latin 'labi') meant 'to fall'.
'lapsarian' changed from Medieval/Church Latin forms such as 'lapsarius' and 'lapsarianus' and entered theological English usage (from approximately the 17th century) as 'lapsarian'.
Initially it meant 'relating to a fall' (more general), but over time it evolved into a specialized theological sense of 'relating to the Fall of Man (original sin)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who holds or advocates doctrines about the Fall of Man; one who emphasizes humanity's lapse into sin.
Historically, lapsarians debated with their prelapsarian counterparts over the timing of divine decrees.
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Adjective 1
relating to the Fall of mankind (original sin) or to a lapse/fall; used especially in theological contexts.
The theologian presented a lapsarian interpretation of scripture that emphasized humanity's sinful state after the Fall.
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Last updated: 2025/11/02 00:54