Definition

Describing a person who believes that it is impossible to know whether God exists or not, or relating to the idea that certain things are unknown or unknowable.

Example

He identified as an agnostic, believing that the existence of a higher power is unknown.

Conversation

I've been thinking about my beliefs lately.

Oh really? Are you feeling more agnostic these days?

Yeah, I guess I am — I just have more questions than answers.

That makes sense; it's okay to not have everything figured out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A person who believes that it is not possible to know if there is a God or not, and is uncertain about religious beliefs.

Example

As an agnostic, she felt that the existence of God was beyond human understanding.

Conversation

I was reading an article about beliefs, and it mentioned being an agnostic.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It refers to someone who isn't sure about the existence of God.

Root Explanation

Agnostic → It is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "gnosis" (from Greek "γνῶσις", meaning knowledge). The word "agnostic" refers to someone who believes that the existence of God or the divine is unknown or unknowable, thus lacking knowledge about it.

Memory Tip

Think of 'without' ('a-') knowledge ('gnosis') — that's why an agnostic is someone who feels they don't have knowledge about the existence of God.

Visually Confused Words