Jansenism
/ˈdʒæn.sə.nɪz.əm/noun
A rigorist Christian theological movement associated with Cornelius Jansen that emphasized human depravity, divine grace, and predestination.
Did you know?Jansenism was condemned by several papal declarations, yet its ideas continued influencing French religious life, literature, and political resistance for generations.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Hebrew
Hebrew
יוֹחָנָן (Yōḥānān)
“A personal name meaning “Yahweh is gracious” or “the LORD has shown favor”.”
Hellenistic Period
Greek
Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs)
“The Greek form of the Hebrew personal name.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
Iohannes
“The Latin form adopted for biblical and Christian names.”
Medieval Period
Dutch
Jan
“A Dutch form of Johannes, used as a personal name.”
Medieval Dutch
Dutch
Jansen
“A patronymic surname meaning “son of Jan.””
17th Century
French
jansénisme
“The name for the theological movement based on the teachings of Cornelius Jansen, bishop of Ypres.”
17th Century–Present
English
Jansenism
“The English name for the movement and its associated theological position.”