hermeneutics
/ˌhɜːrməˌn(j)uːtɪks/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.49 in modern English
19
Scrabble Score
12
Letters
2
Syllables
10
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
The study of interpretation, particularly concerning texts, meaning, and understanding. It originates from classical exegesis but was significantly developed in the modern period, especially in relation to phenomenology and existentialism. At its core, hermeneutics addresses the conditions of understanding and the processes by which meaning is constructed.
Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "SAUNDERS or SANDERS, RICHARD (1613–1687?), astrologer, a native of Warwickshire, was born in 1613, commenced the study of hermeneutics about 1647, and practised astrology and cheiromancy during the golden age of the pseudo-sciences in England."
- "1885, Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson (original translators and editors), Arthur Cleveland Coxe (editor of American edition), Philip Schaff (also credited as editor), Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series I, I have included in this volume the four books of St. Augustin On Christian Doctrine. It is the first and best patristic work on biblical Hermeneutics, and continued for a thousand years, together with the Prefaces of Jerome, to be the chief exegetical guide. Although it is superseded as a scientific work by modern Hermeneutics and Critical Introductions to the Old and New Testaments, it is not surpassed for originality, depth and spiritual insight."
- "Usage has restricted the meaning of hermeneutics to the science of Biblical exegesis, that is, to the collection of rules which govern the right interpretation of Sacred Scripture. Exegesis is therefore related to hermeneutics, as language is to grammar, or as reasoning is to logic."
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ἑρμηνευτῐκός (hermēneutĭkós, “of or for interpreting”), from ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneúō, “translate, interpret”), from ἑρμηνεύς (hermēneús, “translator, interpreter”); sometimes ascribed as a Carian loanword. By surface analysis, hermeneutic + -s. Folk etymology suggests a connection with Hermes. The term was introduced c. 360 BCE by Aristotle in his text Perì Hermeneías (On Interpretation).
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: ἑρμηνευτῐκός
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˌhɜːrməˌn(j)uːtɪks/
- British English: /ˌhɜːmɪˈnjuːtɪks/