What does stigmata mean?
Stigmata is the plural form of stigma and refers most commonly to marks, signs, or characteristics that set people apart or expose them to prejudice. Expressions such as 'the stigmata of poverty' and 'the social stigmata of illness' describe conditions that carry stigma in a particular society. In Christian usage, stigmata means the wounds or marks on a person’s body that are believed to correspond to the wounds Jesus received during the Crucifixion. The word can also have a specialized biological meaning for natural spots or markings on insects and other organisms. Derived from a Greek term meaning a mark, tattoo, or brand, stigmata carries the strong implication that a mark is both visible and socially significant. Its historical association with bodily marking gives the modern expression its sense of stigma as a label that can shape how people are treated.
Marks or signs associated with a person or group, especially those that invite prejudice, ridicule, or social exclusion.
"The town struggled with the stigmata of unemployment and declining industry."
Common in figurative expressions such as 'social stigmata' and 'the stigmata of illness.'
In Christian tradition, marks or wounds on a person's body believed to correspond to those suffered by Jesus during the Crucifixion.
"According to the account, the nun experienced the stigmata of Christ."
A specialized religious term; the singular form 'stigma' is also used in this sense.
Small spots or marks occurring naturally on the bodies or wings of insects and other organisms.
"The moth is distinguished by dark stigmata on its forewings."
A technical biological term.
Stigmata is already plural; the singular is stigma. In the social sense, it is commonly used as a plural mass-like noun, as in 'the stigmata of illness.'
"The campaign sought to remove the stigmata surrounding mental-health treatment."
From the Greek word for a tattoo or brand, stigmata originally referred to marks physically imposed on the body; the word later acquired its powerful modern sense of social disgrace.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stigmata come from?
The word comes from Greek stigma, meaning a mark made by a pointed instrument, such as a tattoo or brand. Stigmata entered English in the religious sense of marks associated with Christ's Crucifixion. The modern figurative use developed from the idea of a visible mark identifying a person or condition, especially one regarded with disgrace or prejudice.
Related word forms
How stigmata is actually used
The modern social sense is usually plural in idiom, as in 'the stigmata of mental illness.' The religious sense is specialized and may be used figuratively. The biological sense is technical.
Easily confused with stigmata
Stigma is the usual singular noun for a mark or social stigma, while stigmata is its plural form and can also refer collectively to the sacred wounds associated with Christ.