What does proselytic mean?
Proselytic means characterized by zealous efforts to persuade others to adopt a religion, belief, ideology, or cause. Its best-known use is in connection with missionary or religious activity, but the adjective can also describe energetic promotion of a movement, organization, or way of life. A proselytic campaign seeks converts or supporters, while a proselytic speaker is notable for forceful advocacy and an evident desire to spread a message. The word can be neutral in historical or descriptive contexts, though it often carries a critical or mildly derogatory implication when it suggests aggressive, persistent recruitment. The related noun proselyte denotes someone who has changed to a new faith or cause, while proselytize refers to the activity of trying to win such converts. Proselytic is therefore especially useful when describing the energetic or persuasive character of religious or ideological outreach.
adjectiveRelating to or characterized by zealous efforts to convert others to a religion, belief, or cause. It can also mean devoted to recruiting supporters for an ideology or organization.
- Characterized by zealous efforts to convert others to a religion, belief, or cause.
- Devoted to promoting an ideology, organization, or way of life and attracting supporters.
"His proselytic speech urged the congregation to bring others to the faith."
"The group became known for its proselytic campaign among young adults."
"She avoided the proselytic tone of the movement's public statements."
Proselytic comes from the same Greek root as proselyte: literally, someone who “comes over” to a new faith.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does proselytic come from?
The word derives through Latin from Greek prosēlytikos, meaning “of or relating to a proselyte.” The underlying Greek noun prosēlytos literally meant “one who comes across,” from pros, meaning “toward,” and lelon, “to come.” The same root produced proselyte, proselytism, and proselytize.
Related word forms
How proselytic is actually used
The term is often used for religious recruitment, but it can also describe forceful advocacy in politics, culture, or other spheres. It may sound critical when applied to persistent or aggressive promotion of a cause.
Easily confused with proselytic
A proselyte is a person who has converted to a new religion or cause, whereas proselytic is an adjective describing zealous efforts to make converts or supporters.