theophanic

9.9

Showing a god appearing to people or seeming like a god

adjective
/θiˈɑːfənɪk/

Specialized

: teofánico

Many religious texts describe theophanic events where God appears in the form of fire or light.

Examples

He considered the theophanic apparitions—the light, the glory, the visions—as created phenomena, produced by angelic manipulation of matter.

Academic text (2007)
The elusiveness of the written form of revelation is also illustrated by the theophanic passages that struggle to convey in words the human experience of the divine.

Academic text (2006)
The painting depicted a theophanic moment when the deity revealed itself to the prophet in brilliant colors.
During the ceremony, attendees witnessed a theophanic experience that left them feeling a profound sense of awe.

Synonyms

divine

vstheophanic

218 5.3

Relating to God or a god

focuses on visible appearance or manifestation rather than general relation

godlike

vstheophanic

12 7.9

Very powerful and perfect, like a god

refers to an appearing manifestation rather than mere resemblance

godly

vstheophanic

5 6.3

Coming from God or having a sacred quality

emphasizes a visible manifestation instead of origin or source

deific

vstheophanic

Literature

9.9

Having the qualities of a god

highlights outward appearance or showing rather than inner nature

Antonyms

mundane

80 4.3

Ordinary daily things or events that are not special and often feel boring

profane

2 6.3

Not related to religion, like everyday life or art

Surface Forms

theophanic positive

Morphology

theophanic = theophany (semi-transparent) = theo + phany + ic

The adjective is a standard adjectival formation from the noun 'theophany' (relating to a divine manifestation).

Etymology

The word theophanic comes from Greek parts theo- meaning 'god' and phanein meaning 'to show' or 'appear', and you can see the same idea in epiphany. So a theophanic event is one that 'shows' a god or feels like a god is present.