anomoios

Anomoios is a term that can refer to a few different concepts, primarily in philosophical and theological contexts. In its most common usage, it is derived from the Greek word "homoios" (ὁμοῖος), meaning "like" or "similar," with the prefix "an-" signifying negation. Therefore, "anomoios" literally translates to "unlike" or "dissimilar."

In early Christian theology, the term anomoios was used by certain groups, most notably the Anomoians (or Anomoeans), a faction within Arianism. The Anomoians believed that the Son of God (Jesus Christ) was fundamentally unlike the Father in essence. This distinguished them from other Arian groups who held that the Son was of "similar substance" (homoiousios) or "same substance" (homoousios) as the Father. The Anomoians' assertion of complete dissimilarity was a more radical interpretation of Arianism and was generally rejected by the broader Christian church, which eventually affirmed the Homoousian doctrine at the Council of Nicaea.

Beyond this specific theological context, the concept of anomoios can be applied more generally to discussions where an entity is described as being in no way similar to another. It emphasizes a profound difference or unlikeness, rather than a partial or superficial one. The term highlights the absence of any shared characteristics or qualities between the entities being compared.