metanoia

American  

[met-uh-noi-uh] / ˌmɛt əˈnɔɪ ə /

noun

1. a profound, usually spiritual, transformation; conversion.

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Etymology

Origin of metanoia

1870–75; < Greek metánoia change of mind, repentance; see meta-, -noia

Explanation

A metanoia is a complete and profound transformation of one's perspective or way of life. A supervillain who decides to fight on the side of good instead of the side of evil has undergone a metanoia. While a metanoia is a change of mind or heart, it's much deeper and more profound than, say, suddenly preferring dark chocolate over milk chocolate. The term is often used in religious contexts, referring to conversions or repentance, a turning away from a sinful life toward a new, spiritual path. But a metanoia can be any psychological or philosophical conversion, a complete reorientation of one's worldview — like swapping a high-powered, materialistic lifestyle for a quiet, simple life in a cabin in the woods.

Example Sentences

And the word in Greek is metanoia, and it’s worth looking into the root meanings here.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2019

Dr Gavin Miller, senior lecturer in medical humanities at Glasgow University, says Laing was interested in the concept of metanoia.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2017

Hebrew teshubah is translated in Greek metanoia, meaning a change of mind.786.Pes.

From Jewish Theology by Kohler, Kaufmann