Definition of HERMENEUTICS

hermeneutics

Meanings

Plural: hermeneutics

Noun

  • the branch of theology that deals with principles of exegesis
  • 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.

Origin / 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. Folk etymology suggests a connection with Hermes. The term was introduced c. 360 BCE by Aristotle in his text Perì Hermeneías (On Interpretation).

Scrabble Score: 19

hermeneutics is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
hermeneutics is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
hermeneutics is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 22

hermeneutics is a valid Words With Friends word