noun

anthroposophy

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Anthroposophy (noun) means a spiritual philosophy developed by Rudolf Steiner in the early twentieth century, holding that an objective spiritual world can be reached through inner development. Example: “Anthroposophy attracted a number of followers in the early twentieth century.”

noun

A spiritual philosophy developed by Rudolf Steiner in the early twentieth century, holding that an objective spiritual world can be reached through inner development.

"Anthroposophy attracted a number of followers in the early twentieth century."

"She studies anthroposophy as part of her research into Rudolf Steiner's ideas."

"Anthroposophy brings together spiritual and philosophical views of human development."

How to use anthroposophy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spiritual philosophy about reaching a hidden spiritual world through personal development, founded by Rudolf Steiner.

When to use it

A formal term used mainly in philosophy and religious studies.

Memory tip

The adjective form is anthroposophic, and a follower is called an anthroposophist.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

theosophy →

Common pairings

study anthroposophy founder of anthroposophy anthroposophy movement

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ attracted a number of followers in the early twentieth century.

Etymology

The word joins the Greek elements for human being and wisdom, and had already appeared in Renaissance Latin before Rudolf Steiner adopted the German form Anthroposophie in the 1910s to name his new philosophy.

Origin: German

Rhymes for anthroposophy

trophy Brophy atrophy theosophy philosophy hypertrophy

See all rhymes for anthroposophy →

Frequently asked questions

What is anthroposophy?

Anthroposophy is a philosophy, founded by Rudolf Steiner in the early twentieth century, that holds an objective spiritual world can be reached through inner development.

Who founded anthroposophy?

It was founded by the esotericist Rudolf Steiner.

When was anthroposophy founded?

It was founded in the early twentieth century, with the German name Anthroposophie becoming popular from the 1910s.

What is the meaning of anthroposophy?

"anthroposophy" (noun) means a spiritual philosophy developed by Rudolf Steiner in the early twentieth century, holding that an objective spiritual world can be reached through inner development.