Definition
Agnostic refers to someone who believes that the existence of God or a higher power is unknown or unknowable, and who does not claim to have knowledge of such matters. It can also refer to something that is uncertain or ambiguous.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective or noun.
Synonyms
Doubter, skeptic, nonbeliever, unsure, uncertain, unconvinced.
Antonyms
Believer, convinced, certain, definite.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | agnostics, agnosticism, agnostic, agnosticisms |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | agnostic, agnostical |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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She described herself as an agnostic, saying that she didn’t know whether or not God existed.
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Despite growing up in a religious household, Emily became agnostic after she started questioning the teachings of her church.
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The scientist was agnostic about the existence of extraterrestrial life, acknowledging that there was no conclusive evidence one way or the other.
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John, an agnostic, approached matters of faith with a curious and open mind, recognizing the limits of human knowledge and choosing to withhold belief in any particular religious doctrine until presented with compelling evidence, valuing reason and skepticism in his pursuit of truth.
Usage
The term agnostic comes from the Greek word “agnostos,” which means “unknown” or “unknowable.” In a religious context, an agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God or a higher power exists, and who believes that the existence of such entities is ultimately unknowable. This is distinct from an atheist, who generally holds the belief that there is no God or higher power.
In addition to its religious connotations, the term agnostic can also be used to describe a person who is uncertain or skeptical about something. For example, someone might be agnostic about the effectiveness of a particular medical treatment or about the likelihood of a political candidate winning an election.
The term agnostic can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is uncertain or ambiguous. For instance, one might describe a legal ruling as agnostic if it does not definitively settle a particular legal question.
Overall, the term agnostic is commonly used in discussions about religion, but it can also be used more broadly to describe skepticism or uncertainty about a range of topics. Its meaning can vary depending on the context, but it generally carries the connotation of a lack of certainty or a willingness to entertain multiple possibilities.