Exegesis: meaning, definitions and examples

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exegesis

 

[ ˌɛksɪˈdʒiːsɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious studies

Critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture.

Synonyms

commentary, explanation, interpretation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exegesis

Used in scholarly or academic settings, especially in relation to biblical or literary texts. It involves a detailed and critical analysis of a text.

  • The professor's exegesis of the ancient manuscript shed new light on its historical context.
  • She published an exegesis of the poem, breaking down its symbolism and themes.
interpretation

This word can be used in artistic, legal, or everyday contexts to describe the act of explaining the meaning of something, often with a degree of subjectivity.

  • Her interpretation of the play was very different from mine.
  • The lawyer provided an interpretation of the new law.
explanation

Commonly used in everyday situations to describe the act of making something clear or understandable. It can be formal or informal.

  • Her explanation of the math problem helped me understand the concept.
  • He gave a clear explanation of the company's new policy.
commentary

Often used in media, sports, or political contexts to provide opinions or explanations about events or topics. Can also refer to a series of notes explaining a text.

  • The news anchor's commentary on the election results was insightful.
  • He wrote a detailed commentary on Shakespeare's sonnets.

Examples of usage

  • The preacher delivered an exegesis of the Gospel during the sermon.
  • The scholars engaged in exegesis to uncover the layers of meaning in the ancient text.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

Critical explanation or analysis of a text, especially in literary studies.

Synonyms

analysis, commentary, interpretation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exegesis

Typically used in academic or religious settings to explain or interpret texts, especially sacred scriptures.

  • The scholar’s exegesis of the Bible provided new insights into ancient texts
analysis

Used in a broader range of situations to describe a detailed examination of the components or structure of something.

  • Her analysis of the market trends helped the company make better investment decisions
interpretation

Commonly used when explaining the meaning or significance of something, often emphasizing personal or subjective viewpoints.

  • Her interpretation of the painting highlighted themes of loneliness and despair
commentary

Often used when providing opinions, explanations, or interpretations, particularly related to events, texts, or media. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if perceived as unnecessary or overly critical.

  • The commentator’s analysis of the game was insightful
  • // His running commentary on every decision was becoming irritating

Examples of usage

  • The professor's exegesis of the novel shed new light on its themes and symbols.
  • Her exegesis of the poem highlighted the poet's use of imagery and metaphor.

Translations

Translations of the word "exegesis" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exegese

🇮🇳 व्याख्या

🇩🇪 Exegese

🇮🇩 ekségesis

🇺🇦 екзегеза

🇵🇱 egzegeza

🇯🇵 注釈

🇫🇷 exégèse

🇪🇸 exégesis

🇹🇷 tefsir

🇰🇷 해석

🇸🇦 تفسير

🇨🇿 exegeze

🇸🇰 exegéza

🇨🇳 诠释

🇸🇮 eksegeza

🇮🇸 útlegging

🇰🇿 түсіндіру

🇬🇪 ექსეგეზა

🇦🇿 eksegez

🇲🇽 exégesis

Etymology

The word 'exegesis' originates from the Greek word 'exēgēsis', meaning interpretation or explanation. It has been used in religious and academic contexts to refer to the critical interpretation of texts for centuries. The practice of exegesis dates back to ancient times when scholars and religious leaders sought to uncover the deeper meanings of sacred texts. Today, exegesis is an essential tool in the fields of theology, literature, and academia, helping to illuminate the complexities of written works.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,097, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.