What does unitarian mean?
Unitarian has a precise religious meaning, referring both to a member of a Christian tradition and to beliefs associated with that tradition. The central distinction is the rejection of the Trinity, the doctrine that God exists as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In British and American usage, Unitarianism is associated with an emphasis on reason, tolerance, and the unity of God, and in modern Britain it is often connected with Unitarian Universalism. As an adjective, unitarian can describe a church, minister, theology, or other feature of this religious tradition. Outside religious and historical contexts, the word is uncommon and should not be used simply as a substitute for someone who supports cooperation or general agreement. Its unusual history makes it especially interesting: a term born from a theological dispute became the name of a continuing religious community.
A member of a Christian tradition that rejects the doctrine of the Trinity and emphasizes the unity of God, reason, and religious tolerance.
"The congregation welcomed a Unitarian minister who emphasized reason and religious freedom."
Usually capitalized when referring to a member of the religious tradition.
Relating to Unitarian Christianity or to the theological view that God is one rather than a Trinity.
"The lecture compared Unitarian theology with Trinitarian doctrine."
Capitalization is customary when the adjective refers to the established religious tradition; lowercase is common in historical discussions of the theological position.
The lowercase form is the regular plural; capitalize it when referring to members of the Christian denomination.
"Several Unitarians attended the interfaith discussion."
From a dispute over the Trinity to the name of a distinct religious community, Unitarian carries both a doctrine and its adherents in one word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unitarian come from?
The word unitarian developed from English unity with the suffix -arian, a form meaning “one who” or “one who holds a particular view.” It became prominent in early modern religious controversy over the doctrine of the Trinity. Its underlying vocabulary is shared with words such as unit, universal, and unify, all connected to the Latin unus, meaning “one.”
Related word forms
How unitarian is actually used
The word is usually capitalized when referring to the Christian denomination, its members, or an established religious tradition. It is largely specialized religious vocabulary rather than a general term for someone who favors unity; the broader theological adjective is sometimes written lowercase in historical writing.
Easily confused with unitarian
Unitary means forming a single whole, whereas unitarian relates to a Christian theological position or denomination.