salvific
|sæl-vɪf-ɪk|
/sælˈvɪfɪk/
bringing salvation
Etymology
'salvific' originates from Latin, specifically the Late Latin word 'salvificus', where 'salvus' meant 'safe' or 'saved' and the suffix '-ficus' (from 'facere') meant 'making' or 'doing'.
'salvificus' (Late Latin) passed into scholarly ecclesiastical usage (and via French forms like 'salvifique') and was adopted into English as 'salvific'.
Initially it carried the general sense of 'making safe' or 'producing safety'; over time it narrowed in religious contexts to 'producing salvation' or 'pertaining to salvation'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being salvific; the property of bringing salvation (transformation of the base form).
They discussed the salvificness of different doctrines.
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Adjective 1
having the power to bring about salvation; pertaining to salvation (especially in a religious or theological sense).
Many theologians debated the salvific effect of the sacrament.
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Adverb 1
adverbial form meaning 'in a salvific manner' (transformation of the base form).
The ritual was believed to operate salvifically for the community.
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Last updated: 2026/01/13 08:05