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Agnostic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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agnostic

[รฆษกหˆnษ’stษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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

doubter, skeptic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
agnostic

This usage is identical to the previous entry as both refer to the identical concept. Often used in broader philosophical or intellectual discussions.

  • He remains agnostic on the subject of extraterrestrial life, arguing that we don't have sufficient information to draw conclusions
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.

  • As a skeptic, he always questions the validity of the news before accepting it as true
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'.

  • She's a doubter when it comes to the effectiveness of that new diet plan

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

attitude

Relating to or characterized by agnosticism; expressing doubt or uncertainty about something.

Synonyms

doubtful, skeptical, uncertain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • He describes himself as an agnostic because he isn't sure whether or not God exists.
doubtful

This word is generally used to express uncertainty or lack of conviction about a specific idea, event, or outcome.

  • She was doubtful about the success of the new project.
  • It looks doubtful that the weather will improve by tomorrow.
uncertain

This term is used to describe a state of not being sure or having doubts, often about the future or outcomes.

  • She felt uncertain about which course to take.
  • The future of the company is uncertain.
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.

  • He is skeptical about the effectiveness of that new diet.
  • Many people are skeptical of politiciansโ€™ promises.

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'agnostic'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'agnostic' was coined by the biologist Thomas Henry Huxley in the 19th century. It comes from the Greek word 'agnostos', meaning 'unknown' or 'unknowable'. Huxley used the term to describe his own position of not claiming knowledge about the existence of god or the supernatural. The concept of agnosticism has since evolved to encompass a wider range of beliefs and attitudes towards the unknown.

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.