Manichaism

M3A1N1I1C3H4A1I1S1M3
/mænɪˈkeɪ.ɪzəm/

A form of Manichaeism — A syncretic, dualistic religion that combines elements of Zoroastrian, Christian, and Gnostic thought, founded by the Iranian prophet Mani in the 3rd century AD.

Scrabble 19

Meanings

proper noun
  1. alternativeAlternative spelling of Manichaeism

    This is Manichaism, […]

    1987, Karl Marx's Economics, page 119
    5 more examples

    They therefore branded the Waldenſes with the name of Manichaiſm […]

    1685, Gregory Hascard, A Discourse about the Charge of Novelty Upon the Reformed Church of England, London, page 13

    It has been alleged, that Augustine was influenced in his views of human nature by Manichaism. But those who have made this charge must have been ignorant either of the doctrine of Manichaism, or of the doctrine of Scripture, regarding the depravity of human nature.

    1847, Daniel Dewar, The Holy Spirit: His Personality, Divinity, Office, and Agency, in the Regeneration and Sanctification of Man, London, page 67

    […] these words are thought by some to savour of Manichaism; […]

    1849, The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, volume 5, page 412

    […] and that miracles wrought in favor of what was foolish or wicked, would only prove Manichaism.

    1867, Lard's Quarterly, page 298

    Gnosticism, Manichaism, and Mandaism found numerous adherents; […]

    1925, Moses Gaster, The Samaritans: Their History, Doctrines and Literature, London: Oxford University Press, page 87

Origin

  1. Koine GreekΜανιχαϊσμός
  2. LatinManichaismus
  3. EnglishManichaism

From Latin Manichaismus, from Koine Greek Μανιχαϊσμός (Manikhaïsmós).

Full word history & related roots →

Rhymes & wordplay

Rhymes with Manichaism

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Cite this entry
APA

Manichaism. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Manichaism

MLA

“Manichaism.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Manichaism. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Manichaism,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Manichaism.

Source: Manichaism on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.