theism

[thee-iz-uh m] /ˈθi ɪz əm/
noun
1.
the belief in one God as the creator and ruler of the universe, without rejection of revelation (distinguished from deism).
2.
belief in the existence of a god or gods (opposed to atheism).
Origin
1670-80; the- + -ism
Related forms
theist
[thee-ist] /ˈθi ɪst/ (Show IPA), noun, adjective
theistic, theistical, adjective
theistically, adverb
nontheistic, adjective
nontheistical, adjective
nontheistically, adverb
untheistic, adjective
untheistical, adjective
untheistically, adverb
Can be confused
atheist, deist, theist.
British Dictionary definitions for theist

theist

/ˈθiːɪst/
noun
1.
a person who believes in the doctrine of theism
2.
a person who believes in the existence of God or gods
adjective
3.
of or relating to theists or theism
Derived Forms
theistic, theistical, adjective
theistically, adverb

theism

/ˈθiːɪzəm/
noun
1.
the form of the belief in one God as the transcendent creator and ruler of the universe that does not necessarily entail further belief in divine revelation Compare deism
2.
the belief in the existence of a God or gods Compare atheism
Word Origin
C17: from Greek theos god + -ism
Word Origin and History for theist
n.

1660s, from Greek theos "god" (see Thea) + -ist. The original senses was that later reserved to deist: "one who believes in a transcendant god but denies revelation." Later in 18c. theist was contrasted with deist, as allowing the possibility of revelation.

theism

n.

"belief in a deity," 1670s; see theist. Meaning "belief in one god" (as opposed to polytheism) is recorded from 1711.