noun

hermeneutics

hur-muh-NYOO-tiks

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Hermeneutics (noun) means the study of interpretation, especially of texts, meaning and understanding. Example: “The seminar covered the hermeneutics of ancient religious texts.”

noun

The study of interpretation, especially of texts, meaning and understanding.

"The seminar covered the hermeneutics of ancient religious texts."

"She studied hermeneutics to understand how readers construct meaning."

"Hermeneutics asks what it takes for one person to understand another."

How to use hermeneutics

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe study of how we interpret texts and understand meaning.

When to use it

It is an academic word used mostly in philosophy, theology and literary study.

Memory tip

Although it ends in -s, it is usually treated as a singular subject, as in hermeneutics is a discipline.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

biblical hermeneutics legal hermeneutics philosophical hermeneutics

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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”.

Test yourself on “hermeneutics” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The seminar covered the _____ of ancient religious texts.

Etymology

The word comes from Ancient Greek, from a word meaning of or for interpreting, which derives from a verb meaning to translate or interpret. Formed in English from hermeneutic plus -s, it is linked to Aristotle's text On Interpretation, and it has no real connection with Hermes.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for hermeneutics

aeronautics

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Frequently asked questions

What is hermeneutics?

Hermeneutics is the study of interpretation, particularly of texts, meaning and understanding.

Is hermeneutics related to Hermes?

Folk etymology suggests a link with Hermes, but the word comes from a Greek word for interpreting.

Is hermeneutics singular or plural?

It is both countable and uncountable, and the plural form is hermeneutics.

What is the meaning of hermeneutics?

"hermeneutics" (noun) means the study of interpretation, especially of texts, meaning and understanding.