Gnostic
adjective
Relating to knowledge, particularly spiritual knowledge or enlightenment.
His book takes a gnostic approach to understanding the human soul.
Often appears as...
- gnostic tradition
- gnostic philosophy
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A person who pursues personal knowledge or spiritual enlightenment, often outside traditional religious structures.
Gnostics in ancient times were believed to have their own secret rituals and teachings.
Often appears as...
- ancient gnostics
- the gnostics believed
Usage tips
Historic
adjective
Relating to knowledge, particularly spiritual knowledge or enlightenment.
His book takes a gnostic approach to understanding the human soul.
Often appears as...
- gnostic tradition
- gnostic philosophy
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A person who pursues personal knowledge or spiritual enlightenment, often outside traditional religious structures.
Gnostics in ancient times were believed to have their own secret rituals and teachings.
Often appears as...
- ancient gnostics
- the gnostics believed
Usage tips
Historic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Spiritual Emphasis
Use 'gnostic' to highlight spiritual, not general knowledge.
Her gnostic views influenced her artistic creations.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Nuance
'Gnostic' often comes with connotations of ancient wisdom or secretive groups.
He studied the gnostic texts of old religions.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Positive
In some contexts, 'gnostic' might be used critically, suggesting obscure or pretentious knowledge.
His gnostic explanation confused the audience.
Pro Tip 1/3Spiritual Emphasis
Use 'gnostic' to highlight spiritual, not general knowledge.
Her gnostic views influenced her artistic creations.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Nuance
'Gnostic' often comes with connotations of ancient wisdom or secretive groups.
He studied the gnostic texts of old religions.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Positive
In some contexts, 'gnostic' might be used critically, suggesting obscure or pretentious knowledge.
His gnostic explanation confused the audience.
Pro Tip 1/3Spiritual Emphasis
Use 'gnostic' to highlight spiritual, not general knowledge.
Her gnostic views influenced her artistic creations.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Nuance
'Gnostic' often comes with connotations of ancient wisdom or secretive groups.
He studied the gnostic texts of old religions.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Positive
In some contexts, 'gnostic' might be used critically, suggesting obscure or pretentious knowledge.
His gnostic explanation confused the audience.
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Quote examples
Phil Klay
American Writer
Supposedly, going to war initiates you into this gnostic priesthood of people who've had a liminal experience forever separating them from civilians. Except... you go there, and it is what it is. A form of human activity as varied as any other.
Quote examples
Elaine Pagels
American Historian
About the gnostic writers themselves and the setting in which they lived we know little, although gnostic Christians were influential enough to be denounced at length.
Quote examples
Phil Klay
American Writer
Supposedly, going to war initiates you into this gnostic priesthood of people who've had a liminal experience forever separating them from civilians. Except... you go there, and it is what it is. A form of human activity as varied as any other.
Quote examples
Elaine Pagels
American Historian
About the gnostic writers themselves and the setting in which they lived we know little, although gnostic Christians were influential enough to be denounced at length.
Example 1 of 2
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