prebaptismal
|pre-bap-tiz-mal|
🇺🇸
/ˌpriːbæpˈtɪzəməl/
🇬🇧
/ˌpriːbæpˈtɪz(ə)məl/
before baptism
Etymology
'prebaptismal' is formed from the prefix 'pre-' (from Latin 'prē', meaning 'before') + 'baptismal', which traces to Greek 'baptizein' via Late Latin 'baptismus'.
'baptismal' comes from Late Latin 'baptismus' (from Greek 'baptizein' meaning 'to dip/immerse'); English formed 'baptismal' and later combined with the productive English prefix 'pre-' to make 'prebaptismal' in Modern English.
Originally elements referred to the act of dipping/immersion in the Greek root; over time the compound shifted to describe matters 'relating to baptism,' and now specifically to things 'before baptism.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to, occurring before, or prepared for baptism; pertaining to the period or rites prior to baptism.
They attended prebaptismal instruction classes before the ceremony.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/01 17:47