synderesis

noun

syn·​de·​re·​sis

ˌsindəˈrēsə̇s

variants or synteresis

-ntə-

plural -es

1

: inborn knowledge of the primary principles of moral action

—distinguished from syneidesis

2

: the essence, ground, or center of the soul that enters into communion with God : the spark or emanation of divinity in the soul

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Greek syntērēsis preservation, from syntērein to preserve (from syn- + tērein to guard, observe) + -sis; akin to Greek tinein to pay

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