Meaning & Definition of word "Agnostic"
Agnostic
/əɡˈnɑːstɪk/
noun:
- 1. A person who believes that the existence of God or the divine is unknown or unknowable.
- Example: As an agnostic, she felt that it was impossible to prove the existence of God.
- 2. A person who is noncommittal regarding the existence of God, typically arguing that human reason and experience do not provide sufficient grounds for belief.
- Example: His agnostic stance led him to explore various philosophies without fully committing to any.
adjective:
- 1. Relating to or denoting agnostics or agnosticism.
- Example: The agnostic viewpoint allows for an open-minded exploration of spiritual questions.
- 2. Not committed to any particular belief system; open to various interpretations.
- Example: She had an agnostic approach to the discussions, considering all perspectives without bias.
Etymology
●The term 'agnostic' was coined in the late 19th century by the English biologist Thomas Huxley, derived from the Greek 'agnostos', meaning 'unknown'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
agnostic position:
A neutral or uncertain stance about a belief or claim.
agnostic theology:
A line of thought which asserts that the existence of God is not provable or knowable.
agnosticism vs atheism:
Agnosticism is the belief that knowledge of God is impossible, while atheism is a disbelief in God.
Related Words
theist:
A person who believes in the existence of God.
atheist:
A person who does not believe in the existence of God.
skeptic:
A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.
Slang Meanings of agnostic
Meaning: On the fence
● Example Sentence: He's really on the fence about religion; he's pretty much agnostic.
Meaning: Wishy-washy
● Example Sentence: Her agnostic approach to opinions makes her seem wishy-washy at times.