noun C2 Proficient

philistine

FIH-lihs-tyn

Quiz me More like this

Philistine (noun) means a person seen as indifferent or hostile to art, literature, and culture, and who has conventional or unrefined tastes. Example: “He was mocked as a philistine for never having read a novel.”

noun

A person seen as indifferent or hostile to art, literature, and culture, and who has conventional or unrefined tastes.

"The object of such an aesthetic education is not the creation of a society of aesthetes. Aesthetes, in that pejorative sense, are as unbalanced as philistines." — , The Unity of the Arts (1957)

"He was mocked as a philistine for never having read a novel."

"They all want to know how you get to me, let them feel how they feel and be philistines because this type of love's the epitome said." — Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, Agora Hills (2023)

"War was looked upon as inherently monstrous, and those who waged it – namely, military officers – were looked upon as brutes and philistines." — Tom Wolfe, Foreword (1979)

adjective

Showing no interest in or appreciation of art and culture.

"Her philistine attitude toward classical music annoyed the professor."

How to use philistine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dismissive word for someone thought to lack taste or interest in art, culture, or ideas.

When to use it

A somewhat literary, faintly snobbish put-down — used more in writing and educated conversation than everyday speech.

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like philistine.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

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”.

Word forms

Plural: philistines
Comparative: more philistine
Superlative: most philistine

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He was mocked as a _____ for never having read a novel.

Etymology

Derived from "Philistine" (the ancient people of Philistia), by way of a German university slang term used to mock outsiders who cared nothing for academic or artistic culture.

Origin: German

Synonyms

View more →

lowbrow anti-intellectual

Related words

stupid witty lowbrow uncultivated highbrow

Rhymes for philistine

nine mine wine line sine dine fine thine shine Rhine Maine seine

See all rhymes for philistine →

Frequently asked questions

What does “philistine” mean?

The word “philistine” means a person seen as indifferent or hostile to art, literature, and culture, and who has conventional or unrefined tastes. In plain terms, a dismissive word for someone thought to lack taste or interest in art, culture, or ideas.

How do you pronounce “philistine”?

“Philistine” is pronounced FIH-lihs-tyn (/ˈfɪlɪˌstaɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “philistine” in a sentence?

Here is “philistine” used in a sentence: “He was mocked as a philistine for never having read a novel.”

What part of speech is “philistine”?

Depending on how it is used, “philistine” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “philistine” come from?

The word “philistine” comes from German. Derived from "Philistine" (the ancient people of Philistia), by way of a German university slang term used to mock outsiders who cared nothing for academic or artistic culture.

How many meanings does “philistine” have?

“Philistine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person seen as indifferent or hostile to art, literature, and culture, and who has conventional or unrefined tastes.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include philistine:

Words with German origins C2 vocabulary words

People also searched

stupid witty lowbrow uncultivated highbrow