What does "baptism" mean?
A Christian sacrament, by which one is received into a church and sometimes given a name, generally involving the candidate to be anointed with or submerged in water.
Baptism
/ˈbæptɪzəm/ name, noun
name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A Christian sacrament, by which one is received into a church and sometimes given a name, generally involving the candidate to be anointed with or submerged in water.
- Grammar: baptism is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: acceptance, admission, admission, admittance.
- Useful contrasts: exclusion, expulsion, noninitiation.
- Usage evidence: Baptists reject infant baptism.
How to use "baptism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "baptism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "baptism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "baptism" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "baptism" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "baptism" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "acceptance" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "baptism", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A Christian sacrament, by which one is received into a church and sometimes given a name, generally involving the candidate to be anointed with or submerged in water. countable, uncountable
"The child’s baptism was held at the old church."
- 2 a Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth wordnet
- 3 A similar ceremony of initiation, purification or naming. countable, uncountable
- 4 The moment at which an object is first assigned a proper name. countable, uncountable
Proper Noun
- 1 The Baptist faith; the Baptist denominations of Christianity. nonstandard, rare
"Whereas Landon Carter was disgusted with his overseer's proselytizing in 1776, his nephew Robert, who originally shared his skepticism, saw the light in 1778, converted to Baptism himself, and spent much of the next decade encouraging his slaves to follow suit — much to the annoyance of several of his overseers."
Antonyms
Example
"Baptists reject infant baptism."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "baptism"?
Common synonyms include: acceptance, admission, admission, admittance, affusion, appellation.
How do you use "baptism" in a sentence?
Baptists reject infant baptism.
How do you pronounce "baptism"?
Pronounced /ˈbæptɪzəm/.
Etymology
From Middle English bapteme, baptesme, from Old French batesme or bapteme, from Ecclesiastical Latin, Late Latin baptisma, from Ancient Greek βάπτισμα (báptisma, “dipping, baptism”), from βαπτίζω (baptízō, “I dip in liquid”). Displaced native Old English fulwiht.