Religion

Definition of profane

To understand the meaning of the term profane, it is very useful to review its etymological history. The concept derives from a Latin notion that can be translated as "in front of the temple." The profane, therefore, is that which is not inside the temple: that is, that is not part of the sacred or religious. Can […]

Definition of predestined

Predestined is the adjective applied to one whose destiny is already written. In this way, it is understood that the predestined person has his end defined from the moment of his birth by the work of a divinity or some type of greater force. Predestination is the destiny that is realized with […]

Definition of pious

In order to find the etymological origin of the term pious we have to turn to Latin. And it derives from the Latin word pietas, which means “piety,” and which, in turn, emanates from pius, which can be translated as “devoted.” Pious is an adjective that is linked to piety (the virtue that implies devotion towards […]

Definition of manger

A manger is a receptacle or deposit in which food is left for the animals so that they can eat. The Latin word praesepe is the etymological antecedent of the term we use in our language. The most common use of the concept, however, is in the field of religion. […]

Definition of orthodoxy

Orthodoxy is a notion that comes from the Latin word orthodoxĭa, although its most remote origins are found in Greek. Thus, we find the fact that, etymologically speaking, it derives from the sum of three components: Orthos, which can be translated as "correct." Doxa, which is synonymous with “opinion”. The suffix -ia, which comes to […]

Definition of puritan

Puritan is an adjective that derives from puritan, a term from the English language. It is used to qualify that individual who defends and spreads his or her attachment to moral rules considered virtuous and accepted by the majority of society. This attachment can be real or exaggerated by the subject in question. […]

Definition of purgatory

You have to go to Latin to be able to find the etymological origin of the term purgatory that we are now going to analyze. It comes from the Latin word purgatorium, which can be translated as "that purifies" and which derives, in turn, from the verb purgare, which is equivalent to "cleanse" or "purify." That term, in our language, is […]

Definition of reincarnation

Each religion has its own characteristics and principles; The dogmas are different, as are the rituals and commandments that their followers must comply with. However, there are certain points that several of them share, and one of them is reincarnation. This concept refers to the existence of an essence in being […]

Definition of inquisition

Inquisition is a term from the Latin inquisitio that refers to the action and effect of inquiring. This verb refers to carefully investigating, examining or finding out something. For example: "The commissioner proceeded with the inquisition of the suspects to try to determine who was guilty of the crime", "The inquisition lasted several hours, although […]

Definition of agape

Ágape is a term that comes from the Latin agăpe, although its more distant etymological origin takes us to a Greek word that can be translated as “love” or “affection.” Specifically, we can determine that it emanates from agápē, which was used to refer to universal love or love of humanity, as opposed to personal love. So, […]