hermeneutic

1 of 2

noun

her·​me·​neu·​tic ˌhər-mə-ˈnü-tik 

-ˈnyü-

1

hermeneutics plural in form but singular or plural in construction : the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible)

2

: a method or principle of interpretation

a philosophical hermeneutic

hermeneutic

2 of 2

adjective

her·​me·​neu·​tic ˌhər-mə-ˈnü-tik 

-ˈnyü-

variant of hermeneutical

: of or relating to hermeneutics : interpretative

Examples of hermeneutic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Many practices of reading and scriptural hermeneutics associated with mysticism arose within the context of medieval Christianity, particularly monasticism. — Simon Critchley, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024

Likewise, reading old C code feels like engaging in the hermeneutics of ancient script, while Coq demands the exactitude of proving mathematical theorems. — Sheon Han, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2024

Alderman’s encyclopedic knowledge of everything from cryptographic history to biblical hermeneutics lends the novel a savvy, scholarly gravitas. — Ian Wang, New York Times, 7 Nov. 2023

This is a position derived from the hermeneutics of Charles Taylor and Hans-Georg Gadamer. — Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023

Instead of performing original research, these would-be scientists now practice the art of hermeneutics. — Meghan O'Gieblyn, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2023

If Pope Francis can toss away the hermeneutic of continuity, on what basis can defenders of this pontificate oblige me to remain faithful to it? — Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 15 Sep. 2021

The vast majority of priests who took up Benedict’s permission in 2007 also say the new Mass; no clearer demonstration can be made of their commitment to Benedict’s idea of the hermeneutic of continuity. — Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 15 Sep. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Noun

see hermeneutical

First Known Use

Noun

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hermeneutic

• therapeutic
• antiscorbutic
• chemotherapeutic
• psychotherapeutic
• enzootic
• scorbutic