hermeneutics

Advancedzipf 2.49

Pronunciation

/ˌhɜːrməˈnjuːtɪks/(hur-muh-NOO-tiks)

Part of speech

nounformal/philosophy

Chinese

诠释学（文本解读的理论与方法）

Definition

The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of texts, scripture, or philosophical works.

Word family

  • hermeneutic/ˌhɜːrməˈnjuːtɪk/(adj)诠释的
  • hermeneutical/ˌhɜːrməˈnjuːtɪkəl/(adj)诠释学的

Collocations

  • biblical hermeneutics
  • legal hermeneutics
  • hermeneutic circle
  • hermeneutic approach

Examples

  1. 1.Biblical hermeneutics examines how historical context shapes our reading of scripture. (interpretive method)
  2. 2.Gadamer's hermeneutics argues that all understanding is shaped by the interpreter's own historical position. (philosophy of interpretation)

Synonyms

  • exegesis/ˌɛksɪˈdʒiːsɪs/— critical interpretation of a specific text
  • interpretation/ɪnˌtɜːrprɪˈteɪʃən/— general, less technical

Etymology

from Greek "hermeneutikos" (of interpretation) — named for Hermes, the messenger god who interpreted the will of the gods for mortals