What does "agnostic" mean?
A person who holds to a form of agnosticism, especially uncertainty of the existence of a deity.
Agnostic
/aɡˈnɒstɪk/ adj, noun, slang
adj, noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person who holds to a form of agnosticism, especially uncertainty of the existence of a deity.
- Grammar: agnostic is listed as adj, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: adherent, agnostical, ambiguous, capricious.
- Useful contrasts: christian, gnostic, advocate.
- Usage evidence: I've never met anyone who is agnostic about the existence of Zeus.
How to use "agnostic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "agnostic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "agnostic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "agnostic" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "agnostic" is acting as adj, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person who holds to a form of agnosticism, especially uncertainty of the existence of a deity.
"The Agnostic is one who asserts—what no one denies—that there are limits to the sphere of human intelligence."
- 2 a person who claims that they cannot have true knowledge about the existence of God (but does not deny that God might exist) wordnet
- 3 someone who is doubtful or noncommittal about something wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Doubtful or uncertain about the existence or demonstrability of God or other deity.
"She left the church when she had become agnostic."
- 2 Having no firmly held opinions on something. informal, usually
"I'm agnostic on whether ethanol is a green fuel."
- 3 Of or relating to agnosticism or its adherents.
"His agnostic viewpoint is summarized in his book."
- 4 Unaware or noncommittal regarding the specific nature of the components or input with which it interacts.
"The socket communications layer is agnostic with regard to its underlying transport mechanism—it is “transport-agnostic”."
Adjective
- 1 uncertain of all claims to knowledge wordnet
- 2 of or pertaining to an agnostic or agnosticism wordnet
Example
"I've never met anyone who is agnostic about the existence of Zeus."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "agnostic"?
Common synonyms include: adherent, agnostical, ambiguous, capricious, chancy, changeable.
How do you use "agnostic" in a sentence?
I've never met anyone who is agnostic about the existence of Zeus.
How do you pronounce "agnostic"?
Pronounced /aɡˈnɒstɪk/.
Etymology
Coined by Thomas Henry Huxley in 1870. Either from Ancient Greek ἄγνωστος (ágnōstos, “ignorant, not knowing”), or from a- + Gnostic, deriving (either way) from Ancient Greek ἀ- (a-, “not”) + γιγνώσκω (gignṓskō, “I know”).