Christic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, or to the teachings and nature attributed to him
2. Pertaining to the person, character or mission of Christ as understood in Christian belief
3. Of or concerning Jesus as the Messiah, especially his nature, life and redemptive role in Christian faith

Etymology: "Christic" is a plain formation: the name "Christ" with the adjective-forming suffix "-ic," which carries the sense "of, relating to, or characteristic of" and is inherited from Greek through Latin into English. Attaching it to "Christ" gives a word meaning pertaining to Christ himself, as distinct from the broader adjective "Christian," which describes followers, institutions and practices. The name "Christ" itself comes from Greek "Khristos," meaning "anointed one," a translation of the Hebrew "mashiach," the source of "Messiah." The suffix does the rest of the work: "Christic" points toward the person, character or mission of Christ rather than toward the religion's adherents or customs.

Synonyms: christlike, messianic