consubstantial

[ kon-suhb-stan-shuhl ]

adjective

1. of one and the same substance, essence, or nature, especially the three divine persons of the Christian Trinity.

consubstantial

/ ˌkɒnsəbˈstænʃəl /

adjective

1. Christian theol (esp of the three persons of the Trinity) regarded as identical in substance or essence though different in aspect

Derived Forms

• ˌconsubˌstantiˈality, noun
• ˌconsubˈstantially, adverb

Other Words From

• consub·stantial·ism noun
• consub·stantial·ist noun
• consub·stanti·ali·ty noun
• consub·stantial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of consubstantial¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English, from Late Latin consubstantiālis, equivalent to con- prefix + substanti(a) “existence, corporeal existence” + -ālis adjective suffix; con-, substantial

Word History and Origins

Origin of consubstantial¹

C15: from Church Latin consubstāntiālis, from Latin com- + substantia substance

Example Sentences

Pythagoras taught that God is a number; Xenophanes that it is a sphere, passionless and consubstantial with all things; Parmenides that it is but the confluence of earth and fire.

From Literature

The Council decided, in the year 325, that Christ was consubstantial with the Father.

From Project Gutenberg

In making of Christ the Second Person of the Eternal Trinity, the Son of the Father, consubstantial and equal, it removes Him from history and transports Him into metaphysics.

From Project Gutenberg

They added to the tenets and symbols the words consubstantial with the Father; and concluded by anathematising the Arians.

From Project Gutenberg

The text that was ultimately approved, and put into effect Sunday, is more complicated and formal, using words like “consubstantial” and “oblation.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• akin
• analogous
• comparable
• complementary
• identical
• related