ousia

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek οὐσία (ousía), from the feminine present participle of εἰμί (eimí, “I am”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈuːsɪə/, /ˈuːzɪə/

Noun

ousia (uncountable)

1. (theology) The essential nature or ‘substance’ of God, often as contrasted to the ‘energies’ (external actions and influences) through which he is manifest.
   • 2009, Karen Armstrong, The Case for God, Vintage, published 2010, page 79:

     We could never know God's ousia, but in order to adapt his indescribable nature to our limited intellect, God communicated to us through his activities in the world.

2. (philosophy) Essence, being.

Italian

Alternative forms

• usia

Etymology

From Ancient Greek οὐσία (ousía).

Noun

ousia f (plural ousie)

1. ousia