theological

[ thee-uh-loj-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or involved with theology:

   a theological student.

2. based upon the nature and will of God as revealed to humans.

theological

/ ˌθɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or based on theology
2. based on God's revelation to man of his nature, his designs, and his will
3. informal.
   difficult to understand; esoteric

Derived Forms

• ˌtheoˈlogically, adverb

Other Word Forms

• theo·logi·cal·ly adverb
• anti·theo·logi·cal adjective
• nonthe·o·logic adjective
• nonthe·o·logi·cal adjective
• nonthe·o·logi·cal·ly adverb
• prethe·o·logi·cal adjective
• semi·theo·logi·cal adjective
• semi·theo·logi·cal·ly adverb
• unthe·o·logic adjective
• unthe·o·logi·cal adjective
• unthe·o·logi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of theological¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin theologicālis, from theologic(us) (from Greek theologikós, from theolog(ía) theology + -ikos -ic ) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

This kind of self-destructive lunacy received theological sanction in the pages of First Things, a right-wing religious publication that fancies itself a bearer of the thought of Thomas Aquinas, but comes off more like Torquemada.

From Salon

"We are a coalition of people who are incredibly different in our philosophies, our theological beliefs, our family structures," says Malcolm.

From BBC

The arcane theological dispute concerned the precise meaning of Jesus’ suffering during crucifixion, which Pynchon wrote was not the true source of sinners’ redemption — the larger example of the prophet’s life was.

From Los Angeles Times

Reverend William J. Barber II reflected on Carter's legacy through a theological lens.

From Salon

Lastly, Musk’s oft-repeated motto “Vox populi, vox dei” — “The voice of the people is the voice of God” — is theological nonsense.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• doctrinal
• ecclesiastical
• metaphysical