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✋ Doubting apostle 📚 Aquinas the philosopher
Saint Thomas

Saint Thomas

7.0
An apostle who doubted Jesus's resurrection until he saw and touched Jesus
  • proper noun
  • /seɪnt ˈtɑːməs/
translation icon : Santo Tomás
  • In Christian tradition, Saint Thomas is remembered for his initial doubt and later faith.

Examples

  • Because of the story of Saint Thomas, some people call a skeptic a 'Doubting Thomas'.

  • Many famous paintings depict Saint Thomas touching the wounds of Christ after the resurrection.

  • Did Saint Thomas really doubt Jesus?

  • Saint Thomas is known for his doubt.

  • Many famous paintings depict Saint Thomas touching the wounds of Christ after the resurrection.

  • In Christian tradition, Saint Thomas is remembered for his initial doubt and later faith.

  • Because of the story of Saint Thomas, some people call a skeptic a 'Doubting Thomas'.

Synonyms

Thomas
vsSaint Thomas
∞ 4.3

One of the twelve followers of Jesus who doubted his coming back to life until he saw him

is used to stress his reputation for doubt rather than just the person
doubting Thomas
vsSaint Thomas
2 7.5

A person who does not believe something without clear proof

is the historical figure behind that skeptical label rather than the general type
St. Thomas
vsSaint Thomas
1 7.0

One of the twelve followers of Jesus who doubted his return to life until he saw Jesus

is the broader name that also emphasizes the familiar doubtful image
Thomas the Apostle
vsSaint Thomas
7.3

One of the twelve followers of Jesus who does not believe Jesus rose until he sees him

is the label that highlights his famous doubtful reputation rather than neutral identity

Surface Forms

Saint Thomas main

Morphology

saint + Thomas

The form 'saint' + personal name is compositionally transparent so a learner who knows both words can infer this refers to a saint called Thomas (i.e., a holy person with that name). However, the specific referent and the cultural/canonical sense ('the Apostle who doubted' / 'Doubting Thomas') require background religious or cultural knowledge and are not derivable from the constituents alone, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Saint Thomas also refers to the apostle who would not believe Jesus had risen until he could touch Jesus' wounds. That real scene of doubt gave the nickname 'Doubting Thomas', so the name now reminds people of someone who needs proof before they believe.