Hermeneutic

//ˌhɜː.məˈn(j)uː.tɪk// adj, noun

adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A particular theory of hermeneutics; a particular method of interpretation of text, especially holy texts.

    "The hermeneutics of suspicion needs to be balanced by a hermeneutic that is grounded in the recognition that written texts represent valid expressions of their author's intent, and that principles may be established that would guide the reader to that intent."

Adjective
  1. 1
    Having to do with hermeneutics; that explains, interprets, illustrates or elucidates texts, especially holy texts. not-comparable

    "Near-synonyms: exegetic, exegetical"

Adjective
  1. 1
    interpretive or explanatory wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms
constructivedescriptivediagnosticexegesisexegeticexegetical

Example

More examples

"Near-synonyms: exegetic, exegetical"

Etymology

Derived from Ancient Greek ἑρμηνευτικός (hermēneutikós, “of or for interpreting”), from Ancient Greek ἑρμηνεύς (hermēneús, “interpreter”).

Related phrases

hermeneutic circlehermeneutic cycle

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.