Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of being universal or broad in scope, interests, or sympathies; wide-ranging inclusiveness. This meaning refers to a broad, comprehensive, and liberal character, free from narrowness or prejudice.
   • The faith, doctrine, system, and practice of a Catholic church, especially the Roman Catholic Church. This meaning refers to the state or quality of being catholic, specifically in the religious sense.

Usage and Examples

• In the sense of broad-mindedness or universality:
  • The catholicity of his musical taste was impressive; he enjoyed everything from classical to hip-hop.
  • A true scholar should possess a certain catholicity of interests.
• In the religious sense:
  • The doctrine of catholicity is central to the church's understanding of itself as universal.
  • He was drawn to the ancient traditions and catholicity of the Anglican Communion.

Advanced Usage

• "Catholicity of spirit": Refers to a broad, generous, and inclusive attitude.
  • Her catholicity of spirit allowed her to appreciate diverse cultures and viewpoints.
• "Catholicity of the Church": A theological term emphasizing the universality, unity, and fullness of the Christian Church.
  • The Nicene Creed describes the Church as possessing holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity.

Variants and Related Words

• Catholic (adj, with a lowercase 'c'): Having wide sympathies, interests, or tastes; broad, universal.
  • She has a truly catholic appreciation for the arts.
• Catholic (adj, with an uppercase 'C'): Of or relating to the Roman Catholic Church or other churches claiming historical continuity from the ancient Christian Church.
  • He is a Catholic priest.
• Catholicize (verb): To make or become catholic (in either sense).
  • The empire sought to catholicize the diverse beliefs of its conquered peoples.

Synonyms

• Universality: The quality of being universal or applicable to all cases.
• Broad-mindedness: Willingness to accept views, beliefs, or behaviors that differ from one's own.
• Ecumenism: A principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian churches (related to the religious sense).
• Comprehensiveness: The quality of including all or nearly all elements, aspects, or areas.

Antonyms

• Narrowness: Limited in extent, amount, or scope; restricted.
• Sectarianism: Excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion.
• Parochialism: Limited or narrow in scope or outlook; provincial.
• Exclusivity: The practice of excluding or not admitting other things.

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• The word catholicity has two distinct but related meanings. The first (universality) derives from the original Greek word , meaning "universal" or "general." The second (pertaining to the Catholic Church) is a specific application of that universal concept to the Christian faith.
• When used in a non-religious context, it almost always carries the positive connotation of liberality, breadth, and lack of prejudice.
• In religious contexts, it is a formal term often used in theology, ecclesiology, and discussions of church doctrine.

Noun

1. the quality of being universal; existing everywhere
2. the beliefs and practices of a Catholic Church