What does "confucian" mean?
One who follows the teachings of Confucius.
Confucian
/kənˈfjuʃən/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who follows the teachings of Confucius.
- Grammar: confucian is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: confucianist, confucian scholar, conservative, doctrinal.
- Useful contrasts: anti Confucian, classical Confucian, non Confucian.
- Usage evidence: I would like to emphasize the Confucian values that exist within this group.
How to use "confucian"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "confucian" 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 "confucian" 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 "confucian" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "confucian" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "confucianist" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "confucian", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
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 One who follows the teachings of Confucius.
- 2 a believer in the teachings of Confucius wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Of, pertaining to, or conforming to the teachings of Confucius.
"In the stereotyped cycle of peace and turmoil of a feudalistic society in Chinese history, Confucian culture has always been considered the basic stabilizing force. Dynasties might alter, circumstances might change, but democracy has never taken root and grown in Chinese society as it has long done in Western countries. Even after the success of the 1911 revolution, restoration of emperorship alternated with warlord strife. For quite a long time, the Republic of China had remained just in name. The Chinese communists seized power on the mainland, but their rule has run counter to democracy, creating a new form of feudalistic dictatorship. Intellectuals on the mainland still doubt and quarrel whether democracy can be carried out in Chinese society. Obviously, Chinese on the mainland are watching the tide of democracy that has been sweeping the whole world in the ending years of the 20th century with a deep sense of frustration and resignation. But, the Republic of China despite a similar Confucian background has succeeded in peacefully carrying out democratic reforms in Taiwan, freeing itself from the traditional bondage of the traditional Chinese society and breaking the cycle of dynastic changes. Our success has proved that the Taiwan society based on Confucian culture is able to develop the traditional humanism and combine it with Western rule of law into a new system of democratic government. This achievement has transcendental consequence. For a long time, Western academics have doubted that democracy can develop in a society with Confucian culture. After seeing the obvious difference between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, they have to adjust their views and make a new construct for their theories of political democracy."
Adjective
- 1 relating to or characteristic of Confucianism wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"I would like to emphasize the Confucian values that exist within this group."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "confucian"?
Common synonyms include: confucianist, confucian scholar, conservative, doctrinal, ethical, literati.
How do you use "confucian" in a sentence?
I would like to emphasize the Confucian values that exist within this group.
How do you pronounce "confucian"?
Pronounced /kənˈfjuʃən/.
Etymology
From Confucius + -ian.