What does "theology" mean?
The study of God, a god, or gods; and of the truthfulness of religion in general.
Theology
/θiˈɒ.lə.d͡ʒi/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The study of God, a god, or gods; and of the truthfulness of religion in general.
- Grammar: theology is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: apologetics, belief, branch, catholicism.
- Useful contrasts: atheism, comtism, secularism.
- Usage evidence: The secret of Hegel's dialectic lies ultimately in this alone, that it negates theology through philosophy in order then to negate philosophy through theology.
How to use "theology"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "theology" 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 "theology" 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
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "theology" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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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 The study of God, a god, or gods; and of the truthfulness of religion in general. uncountable, usually
- 2 the learned profession acquired by specialized courses in religion (usually taught at a college or seminary) wordnet
- 3 Synonym of religious studies. uncountable, usually
"Theology is a study, but religion is an experience. Theology is the study of religion, and when we study theology we are studying religion."
- 4 the rational and systematic study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truth wordnet
- 5 An organized method of interpreting spiritual works and beliefs into practical form. countable, usually
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 a particular system or school of religious beliefs and teachings wordnet
- 7 A particular belief within a religion. countable, usually
"In this context, one could conceivably hold onto the theology that baptism is essential for salvation."
- 8 Subjective marginal details. slang, uncountable, usually
"While those folks are caught up in theological arguments about LISP versus PROLOG, […]"
Antonyms
Example
"The secret of Hegel's dialectic lies ultimately in this alone, that it negates theology through philosophy in order then to negate philosophy through theology."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "theology"?
Common synonyms include: apologetics, belief, branch, catholicism, christianity, credo.
How do you use "theology" in a sentence?
The secret of Hegel's dialectic lies ultimately in this alone, that it negates theology through philosophy in order then to negate philosophy through theology.
How do you pronounce "theology"?
Pronounced /θiˈɒ.lə.d͡ʒi/.
Etymology
From Middle English theologie, from Middle French theologie, from Old French theologie, from Latin theologia, from Koine Greek θεολογία (theología), from θεολόγος (theológos, adjective), from θεός (theós) + λόγος (lógos). By surface analysis, theo- + -logy.