pro-Sabbatarian
|pro-sab-ba-tar-i-an|
🇺🇸
/proʊˌsæbəˈtɛriən/
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/prəʊˌsæbəˈtɪəriən/
supporter of Sabbath observance
Etymology
'pro-Sabbatarian' originates from the prefix 'pro-' (from Latin/Greek 'pro' meaning 'for' or 'in favour of') combined with 'Sabbatarian' (an English formation meaning a person who supports the Sabbath), where 'Sabbath' ultimately derives from Hebrew 'shabbat'.
'Sabbatarian' developed in English from the noun 'Sabbath' (via Latin 'sabbatum' and Greek 'sabbaton', ultimately from Hebrew 'shabbat') with the agentive suffix '-arian'; the compound 'pro-Sabbatarian' is formed by prefixing English 'pro-' to indicate support, yielding the modern term 'pro-Sabbatarian'.
Initially the elements referred specifically to 'the Sabbath' (a day of rest) and one who supports its observance; over time the compound has retained that basic sense and is used to describe persons or positions favoring Sabbath observance or related policies.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who supports or advocates strict observance of the Sabbath (the day of religious rest), often insisting that work and commercial activity be restricted on that day.
He is a pro-Sabbatarian who argues that shops should close on Sundays.
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Adjective 1
favouring or supporting observance of the Sabbath; in favour of rules or policies that preserve or enforce Sabbath rest.
The committee took a pro-Sabbatarian stance when drafting the regulations on trading hours.
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Last updated: 2025/11/20 16:25