What does charismata mean?
Charismata is the plural of charisma. In general English, it can refer collectively to the compelling personal appeal or influence of people or groups. Its more distinctive use is theological: in Christian writing, especially discussions of the early church, the word denotes spiritual gifts granted by the Holy Spirit, such as prophecy, healing, or service. In this sense, it has a formal, doctrinal register and is closely associated with New Testament language. The plural is less frequent in ordinary conversation than the singular charisma, but it is useful when a writer wants to discuss several gifts or qualities together. Although its Greek-style ending gives it a learned or ecclesiastical flavor, the word belongs to established English rather than being a decorative Latinism. Speakers may also use charismas in some contexts, but charismata is especially familiar in theological and historical scholarship.
nounThe plural of charisma. In Christian theology, it refers to spiritual gifts granted by the Holy Spirit; more generally, it can refer collectively to compelling qualities of personal appeal or influence.
- In Christian theology, spiritual gifts granted by the Holy Spirit, especially to the early Christian communities.
- In general usage, the compelling qualities of personal appeal or influence belonging to people or groups, considered collectively.
"The early Christian communities valued many different charismata, including prophecy, healing, and service."
"Paul's discussion of the charismata of the church includes prophecy, service, teaching, and giving."
"The candidates brought different charismata to the campaign, giving the election an unexpectedly personal character."
This is a standard plural of charisma, especially associated with Christian theological vocabulary. The alternative plural charismas also occurs, but it is less familiar in religious and historical writing.
"The sermon explored the charismata manifested by the congregation."
In the New Testament, charismata are not celebrity personas but freely given gifts of grace.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does charismata come from?
The word descends from Greek χάρισμα (khárisma), meaning “grace,” “favor,” or “gift,” and ultimately from κάρις (kháris), “grace, favor.” Latin borrowed the singular as charisma, and English subsequently adopted both the singular and the Greek-style plural charismata. The related English forms charism, charismatic, and charismology continue the same derivational family.
Related word forms
How charismata is actually used
The word is most common in formal theological, biblical, and historical writing. Its plural form in ordinary English is relatively uncommon and can sound marked, while the singular charisma is preferred in general speech.
Easily confused with charismata
Charisma is the singular form; charismata is its plural, used either for multiple spiritual gifts or for several instances of personal appeal.