premillennial
|pre-mil-len-ni-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌpriː.mɪˈlɛn.i.əl/
🇬🇧
/ˌprɛ.mɪˈlɛn.i.əl/
before the millennium
Etymology
'premillennial' originates from Modern English formation: the prefix 'pre-' (from Latin prae-, meaning 'before') + 'millennial' (from Latin 'millennium'), where 'mille' meant 'thousand' and 'annus' meant 'year'.
'premillennial' was coined in English (late 19th century) by combining 'pre-' with 'millennial' (itself from Medieval/Latin 'millennium'), reflecting theological usage in discussions of the millennium and Christ's return.
Initially it meant simply 'before the millennium'; over time it came to refer specifically to the doctrinal position (premillennialism) about Christ's return occurring prior to a literal thousand-year reign.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who believes in premillennialism; a supporter of the doctrine that Christ will return before the millennium.
Many premillennials regard certain contemporary events as signs of the end times.
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Adjective 1
relating to or supporting the Christian theological view that Christ will return before (prior to) a literal thousand-year reign (the millennium).
She favors a premillennial interpretation of the Book of Revelation.
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Last updated: 2025/10/03 22:35