What does unbaptised mean?
“Unbaptised” is chiefly a British English adjective meaning that a person has not undergone the Christian rite of baptism. Its most straightforward use is historical or religious: a church record may distinguish an unbaptised infant from one who had been baptised. In figurative writing, the word can evoke someone outside established Christian belief, ritual, or community, although “unchristened” may be preferred when the emphasis is on naming or broader religious identity. Because the term marks the absence of a specific rite, it is more precise than saying merely that someone is “unreligious” or an “outsider.” Modern speakers use it most often in formal writing, religious history, literature, and discussion of belonging. Its unusual form nevertheless remains useful because it captures both a factual distinction and the social and theological importance that baptism has carried within Christian societies.
adjectiveHaving not undergone the Christian rite of baptism. In figurative use, it can describe someone outside a Christian community, tradition, or body of belief.
- Not having undergone baptism.
"The account tells of an unbaptised child who was nevertheless welcomed into the religious community."
"The parish register identifies the child as unbaptised, an unusual designation among the families recorded there."
"He remained an unbaptised outsider in a community whose rituals centred on christening."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unbaptised come from?
The word is formed in English with the negative prefix un- and the verb baptise. Baptise came through Old French baptiser from Latin baptizare, ultimately from Greek baptizein, “to dip” or “wash,” with baptismos meaning “a washing.” Related English words include baptism, baptist, and baptismal, while the prefixed form developed in the sense “not baptised.”
Related word forms
How unbaptised is actually used
Predominantly literary, historical, or religious. In figurative use, it may imply exclusion from a Christian community or tradition rather than merely the absence of a personal baptism.
Easily confused with unbaptised
Both forms mean not baptized; “unbaptised” is the usual British spelling, while “unbaptized” is the usual American spelling.