Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Omniscient: meaning, definitions and examples

🔮
Add to dictionary

omniscient

 

[ɒmˈnɪʃənt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

literary use

The term 'omniscient' refers to the ability to know everything. In literature, an omniscient narrator is one who has a complete understanding of all characters’ thoughts and feelings, as well as knowledge of the entire plot. This perspective allows the narrator to provide insights and context that individual characters themselves may not understand. The omniscient view can create a deeper connection with the reader, as it offers a broad scope of the narrative. It's often used in novels to reveal multiple viewpoints and to weave together various storylines.

Synonyms

all-knowing, all-seeing, universal knowledge.

Examples of usage

  • The omniscient narrator revealed the secret thoughts of each character.
  • In this novel, the omniscient point of view enriches the story.
  • The author chose an omniscient style to give readers a comprehensive understanding.
  • Through an omniscient lens, the complexities of human emotions unfolded.
  • Readers appreciated the omniscient commentary throughout the tale.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Omniscient' comes from Latin, where 'omni' means 'all' and 'scient' means 'knowing'.
  • The word has been used in English since the 17th century to describe an all-knowing deity or narrator.
  • It reflects concepts found in various religions, suggesting a higher power with complete knowledge.

Literature

  • Many novels utilize an omniscient narrator, who can reveal thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.
  • Classic works, such as George Eliot's 'Middlemarch', feature this narrative style to create a rich world.
  • Omniscient characters often offer insights into events beyond what individual characters know.

Philosophy

  • The concept raises questions about free will, as an all-knowing entity might suggest a pre-determined fate.
  • Philosophers like Descartes and Spinoza ponder the implications of omniscience on human understanding.
  • Discussions often focus on how an omniscient being perceives time and events, influencing ethics and morality.

Pop Culture

  • Omniscience features in various films and series, often represented by god-like characters with vast knowledge.
  • Characters like Dr. Manhattan from 'Watchmen' illustrate this concept through their ability to see all timelines.
  • Television shows sometimes present 'omniscient narrators' who offer commentary and insights into the plot.

Psychology

  • The idea of someone being omniscient can reflect our desire for control and understanding of life's complexities.
  • Cognitive biases may lead individuals to believe they possess omniscient knowledge in specific areas.
  • The concept challenges us to recognize the limits of our knowledge and encourages a mindset of learning.

Translations

Translations of the word "omniscient" in other languages:

🇵🇹 onisciente

🇮🇳 सर्वज्ञ (sarvagya)

🇩🇪 allwissend

🇮🇩 maha tahu

🇺🇦 всезнаючий

🇵🇱 wszechwiedzący

🇯🇵 全知の (zenchi no)

🇫🇷 omniscient

🇪🇸 omnisciente

🇹🇷 her şeyi bilen

🇰🇷 전지전능한 (jeonji jeonneunghan)

🇸🇦 العليم (al-‘alim)

🇨🇿 vševědoucí

🇸🇰 vševědúci

🇨🇳 全知的 (quán zhī de)

🇸🇮 vsevedni

🇮🇸 allsjáandi

🇰🇿 барша білуші (barsha bilushi)

🇬🇪 ყველა უწყისი (q'veela udzuri)

🇦🇿 hər şeyi bilən

🇲🇽 omnisciente

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,894, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.