catechumen

[ kat-i-kyoo-muhn ]

noun

1. Ecclesiastical. a person under instruction in the rudiments of Christianity, as in the early church; a neophyte.
2. a person being taught the elementary facts, principles, etc., of any subject.

catechumen

/ ˌkætɪˈkjuːmɛn; ˌkætəkjʊˈmɛnɪkəl /

noun

1. Christianity a person, esp in the early Church, undergoing instruction prior to baptism

Derived Forms

• ˌcateˈchumenism, noun
• ˌcateˈchumenate, noun
• ˌcateˈchumenal, adjective

Other Words From

• cate·chume·nal cat·e·chu·men·i·cal [kat-i-kyoo-, men, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• cate·chu·meni·cal·ly adverb
• cat·e·chu·me·nate [kat-i-, kyoo, -m, uh, -neyt, -nit], noun
• cate·chumen·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechumen¹

1325–75; < Late Latin catēchūmenus < Greek katēchoúmenos (one who is) being taught orally, equivalent to katēche-, stem of katēcheîn to teach orally ( catechist ) + -omenos middle present participle suffix; replacing Middle English cathecumyn < Middle French cathecumine < Late Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechumen¹

C15: via Old French, from Late Latin, from Greek katēkhoumenos one being instructed verbally, from katēkhein; see catechize

Example Sentences

Many catechumens this Easter were part of groups that were well over a dozen people, huddled together in large churches.

From New York Times

In the opinion of prominent theologians, a mere catechumen can, under certain circumstances, be a member of the Church.

From Project Gutenberg

The third or lowest triad is made up of monks, “initiated” and catechumens.

From Project Gutenberg

Canon 19 is a long one dealing with catechumens, preparation for baptism, administration of that sacrament, and of the eucharist for the newly baptized.

From Project Gutenberg

A hearer; especially a catechumen in the early church.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• adherent
• apostle
• cohort
• devotee
• enthusiast
• fanatic
• learner
• pupil
• zealot