consubstantial

[kon-suhb-stan-shuhl]

adjective

1. of one and the same substance, essence, or nature, especially the three divine persons of the Christian Trinity.

consubstantial

/ ˌkɒnsəbˈstænʃəl /

adjective

1. Christian theol (esp of the three persons of the Trinity) regarded as identical in substance or essence though different in aspect

Other Word Forms

• consubstantiality noun
• consubstantially adverb
• consubstantialism noun
• consubstantialist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consubstantial¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English, from Late Latin consubstantiālis, equivalent to con- prefix + substanti(a) “existence, corporeal existence” + -ālis adjective suffix; con-, substantial

Word History and Origins

Origin of consubstantial¹

C15: from Church Latin consubstāntiālis, from Latin _com- + substantia _substance

Example Sentences

Pythagoras taught that God is a number; Xenophanes that it is a sphere, passionless and consubstantial with all things; Parmenides that it is but the confluence of earth and fire.

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The Council decided, in the year 325, that Christ was consubstantial with the Father.

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In making of Christ the Second Person of the Eternal Trinity, the Son of the Father, consubstantial and equal, it removes Him from history and transports Him into metaphysics.

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They added to the tenets and symbols the words consubstantial with the Father; and concluded by anathematising the Arians.

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The text that was ultimately approved, and put into effect Sunday, is more complicated and formal, using words like “consubstantial” and “oblation.”

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Related Words

• akin 
• analogous 
• comparable 
• complementary 
• identical 
• related