Charismas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A plural form referring to special spiritual gifts or abilities believed to be granted by divine influence, often manifesting as extraordinary powers or talents ; denoting multiple instances of personal magnetism or charm that inspire devotion or enthusiasm in others ; indicating various exceptional qualities or talents that enable individuals to lead or influence people effectively
  2. The term used to describe several distinct spiritual endowments perceived as supernatural talents bestowed by a higher power ; encompassing numerous forms of compelling personal appeal or attractiveness that captivate an audience or group ; relating to diverse extraordinary skills or attributes that motivate followers or admirers
  3. Referring to multiple manifestations of extraordinary spiritual capabilities believed to come from a transcendent source ; representing different cases of appealing personal charm or allure that engender admiration or loyalty ; signifying an array of remarkable abilities or influences that empower people to attract or guide others

Etymology: The plural "charismas" is a rare form of "charisma", a noun that goes back to the Greek word for "grace" and "favour." In Greek, "kharisma" meant a free gift or a favour freely bestowed, and it was used in Christian writing for a divinely granted gift, such as the power to heal or prophesy. The English word was first recorded in 1875 in that theological sense. The modern sense of personal magnetism arrived by a roundabout route. In 1930, a translation of a book by the German sociologist Max Weber used the term to describe a leader's special ability to inspire devotion, and English borrowed that German usage. By the 1940s and especially the 1950s, the word had loosened into a general name for personal charm. Because "charisma" is a mass noun in ordinary use, the plural "charismas" is mostly found when people mean several separate gifts or several distinct magnetic personalities.

Synonyms: charm, appeal, magnetism, attraction, presence

Antonyms: repulsiveness, dullness, unattractiveness