Christian
/ˈkrɪs.tʃən/noun
Relating to or professing Christianity or its teachings.
Did you know?The term 'Christian' was first used in Antioch to describe followers of Jesus, but it also implies a mystical relationship with the divine anointed one, echoing ancient rituals of kingship.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰr̥ēgʰs
“to be heavy, to burden, relating to a weighty or significant presence.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Χριστός (Christós)
“the anointed one, referring to the Messiah or a figure chosen by the divine.”
Old Latin
Latin
Christianus
“a follower of Christ, literally 'one who belongs to Christ'.”
1st Century
Greek
Χριστιανός (Christianós)
“a term used to describe a disciple of Christ, indicating membership in this new faith community.”
Middle English
Middle English
Cristian
“a believer in Christ, often used to denote those practicing the Christian faith.”
Modern English
English
Christian
“pertaining to or professing the faith of Christianity, encompassing various denominations and beliefs.”