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agnosticism

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /æɡˈnɒstɪsɪzəm/

KK: /æɡˈnɑːstɪsɪzəm/

noun
Definition

A belief system that holds that it is impossible to know for sure whether God exists or not, and that absolute truth about such matters cannot be proven.


Example

His agnosticism led him to question the existence of a higher power without committing to any specific belief.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever thought about agnosticism and what it really means?
Sloth B
Yes, I find it interesting that it leaves room for uncertainty about belief.
Sloth A
I agree, it's a different perspective compared to strict beliefs.
Sloth B
Exactly! It encourages questioning rather than just accepting answers.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
skepticism
uncertainty
doubt
Antonyms
faith
certainty
belief
Root Explanation

Agnosticism → It is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "gnosis" (from Greek "γνῶσις", meaning knowledge). The term describes a position of being without knowledge, particularly regarding the existence of God or the divine.

Memory Tip

Think of 'without knowledge' — 'a-' means without, and 'gnosis' means knowledge. This helps you remember that agnosticism refers to a belief system that does not claim to know whether God exists.

Visually Confused Words
gnosticism
metagnosticism
diagnostics
acrosticism
manticism
gothicism
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