Agnostic: meaning, definitions and examples
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agnostic
[æɡˈnɒstɪk ]
Definitions
belief
A person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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agnostic |
This usage is identical to the previous entry as both refer to the identical concept. Often used in broader philosophical or intellectual discussions.
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skeptic |
This is typically used for someone who doubts the truth of something or requires strong evidence before believing. It has a slight connotation of mistrust or critical thinking.
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doubter |
This is used to describe someone who has a lack of trust or confidence in something specific, not necessarily related to religion. It's a more casual term compared to 'agnostic'.
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Examples of usage
- Many agnostics consider themselves to be open-minded and skeptical.
- Agnostics often prefer to focus on the tangible rather than the speculative.
attitude
Relating to or characterized by agnosticism; expressing doubt or uncertainty about something.
Synonyms
doubtful, skeptical, uncertain.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
agnostic |
This term is often used in the context of religion or belief systems to describe someone who neither believes nor disbelieves in a deity or ultimate truth.
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doubtful |
This word is generally used to express uncertainty or lack of conviction about a specific idea, event, or outcome.
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uncertain |
This term is used to describe a state of not being sure or having doubts, often about the future or outcomes.
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skeptical |
This word is used to describe someone who has a questioning attitude or doubts the validity of certain claims, often requiring strong evidence before believing.
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Examples of usage
- Her agnostic attitude towards the existence of aliens allowed her to consider various possibilities.
- The scientist maintained an agnostic stance on the controversial theory.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'agnostic' was coined by English biologist Thomas Huxley in 1869, blending the Greek word 'gnosis', meaning knowledge, with the prefix 'a-', meaning without.
- The word reflects a philosophical stance that combines uncertainty about the existence of a higher power with a reverence for the limits of human understanding.
Philosophy
- Agnosticism differs from atheism, which outright denies the existence of any deity, and from theism, which asserts that at least one deity exists.
- Philosophers like Bertrand Russell and Karl Popper contributed to agnostic thought by emphasizing the complexity of existential questions and the limits of human knowledge.
Religion
- Many notable figures in history, including Albert Einstein, identified as agnostic, expressing that while they didn't deny the possibility of a creator, they found no definitive proof.
- Agnosticism allows individuals to explore and remain open to spiritual concepts without adhering to a specific religious doctrine.
Psychology
- Research shows that agnostics often exhibit higher levels of cognitive complexity, reflecting a preference for ambiguity and uncertainty in belief systems.
- Social psychologists suggest that individuals who identify as agnostic may be more tolerant of diverse beliefs, fostering open-mindedness and curiosity.
Pop Culture
- Agnostic themes often appear in literature and film, portraying characters who grapple with existential questions, reflecting a broader human experience.
- In contemporary discussions, agnosticism has become increasingly relevant in debates about science, religion, and personal belief systems.
Translations
Translations of the word "agnostic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 agnóstico
🇮🇳 अज्ञेयवादी
🇩🇪 Agnostiker
🇮🇩 agnostik
🇺🇦 агностик
🇵🇱 agnostyk
🇯🇵 不可知論者 (ふかちろんしゃ)
🇫🇷 agnostique
🇪🇸 agnóstico
🇹🇷 agnostik
🇰🇷 불가지론자 (불가지론적인)
🇸🇦 لاأدري
🇨🇿 agnostik
🇸🇰 agnostik
🇨🇳 不可知论者 (bùkězhīlùnzhe)
🇸🇮 agnostik
🇮🇸 agnóstískur
🇰🇿 агностик
🇬🇪 აგნოსტიკოსი
🇦🇿 aqnostik
🇲🇽 agnóstico
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,850, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 23847 tare
- 23848 huddle
- 23849 unbelievably
- 23850 agnostic
- 23851 girt
- 23852 strangulation
- 23853 wrangling
- ...