The word "tritheist" refers to someone who believes in three gods as opposed to the traditional monotheistic belief in one god. The spelling of the word is based on the Greek root "tri" meaning three, combined with "theist" meaning believer in God. The phonetic transcription of this word is /traɪθi.ɪst/, with the stress on the first syllable /traɪ/. This word is not commonly used in everyday language but may be used in religious studies or theological discussions.
A "tritheist" refers to an individual or doctrine that espouses tritheism, which is a theological belief affirming the existence of three separate and distinct deities within a single divine essence. The term is derived from the combination of the prefix "tri-" meaning three and "theist" denoting a belief in God or gods.
In the perspective of tritheism, each deity maintains its unique identity and possesses its own individual divine qualities and attributes while simultaneously being part of a single divine essence. This belief system deviates from monotheism, which asserts the existence of only one God, and from traditional trinitarianism, which posits the belief in one God consisting of three persons or manifestations.
Historically, the term "tritheist" has been utilized as a derogatory label or accusation by proponents of monotheistic religions, particularly Christianity, to denounce perceived trinitarian deviations. Nonetheless, some groups and individuals have intentionally identified themselves as tritheists based on their specific theological perspectives, often engaging in discourses regarding the nature and ontology of the divine.
It is important to note that while "tritheist" describes a belief in three deities sharing one divine essence, it does not imply polytheism, which posits the worship of multiple gods, each with distinct essence and existence.
One who maintains tritheism.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tritheist" is derived from the combination of two Greek elements, "tri-" meaning "three" and "-theist" meaning "believer in God".
The root of "tri-" comes from the Greek word "treis" (τρεῖς), which means "three". This element is often used to indicate the number three in various contexts.
The second element, "-theist", originates from the Greek word "theos" (θεός), which translates to "God". It is used to denote someone who believes in or worships a deity or deities.
By combining these elements, "tritheist" was formed to refer to someone who believes in three gods, which is a theological concept contrasting with monotheism or belief in a single deity.