protestant

[ˈprɑːtɪstənt] noun, adjective

Origin

From Latin "protestari" (to protest) + "-ant", originating in the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation when German princes "protested" against Catholic rule.

Meanings

As noun

1. A member of any Christian church that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation
2. A member of any Western Christian church that is separate from the Roman Catholic Church

As adjective

1. Relating to or characteristic of Protestants or Protestantism
2. Of or adhering to any of various Christian churches that deny the universal authority of the Pope

Example Sentences

1. "Many protestant churches allow their ministers to marry."
2. "The protestant work ethic heavily influenced early American culture."
3. "She grew up in a protestant family but later converted to Catholicism."

Related Words

• Forms:
  • Protestantism (noun)
  • Protestantly (adverb)
  • Protestantize (verb)
• Synonyms:
  • Reformed
  • Non-Catholic
  • Evangelical

Memory Tricks

1. Break it down: "PROTEST + ANT" - Think of how early Protestants "protested" against Catholic practices
2. Historical connection: Remember Martin Luther's protest with his 95 theses
3. Associate with "protest" - Protestants originally protested against Catholic doctrine