adj
agnostic
ag-NOS-tihk
adj
1
Believing it is impossible to know for certain whether God or gods exist.
"She describes herself as agnostic rather than atheist."
2
Not holding a firm opinion either way on something, especially a technical choice.
"The app is platform-agnostic and works on both phones and computers."
noun
1
A person who believes it can't be known for certain whether God exists.
"He grew up religious but became an agnostic in college."
How to Use Agnostic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that stays neutral — not claiming to know for sure whether God exists, or not favouring one option over another.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "atheist": an atheist actively denies God exists, while an agnostic simply says it can't be known for certain.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
agnostic about
platform-agnostic
religiously agnostic
Word Forms
more agnostic comparative, agnostics plural, most agnostic superlative
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She describes herself as _____ rather than atheist.
Etymology
Coined in 1870 by the scientist Thomas Henry Huxley from Greek a- ("not") + gnostos ("known"), to describe someone who neither affirms nor denies the existence of God.