Hermeneutic
adjective
Related to understanding the meaning of texts, especially written words.
The professor's hermeneutic method of teaching literature emphasized careful reading and interpretation.

Often appears as...
- hermeneutic method
- hermeneutic approach
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
noun
The theory or practice of interpretation, especially of literary texts.
His research focuses on the hermeneutic of early modern English literature.

Often appears as...
- cultural hermeneutic
- biblical hermeneutic
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Related to understanding the meaning of texts, especially written words.
The professor's hermeneutic method of teaching literature emphasized careful reading and interpretation.

Often appears as...
- hermeneutic method
- hermeneutic approach
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
noun
The theory or practice of interpretation, especially of literary texts.
His research focuses on the hermeneutic of early modern English literature.

Often appears as...
- cultural hermeneutic
- biblical hermeneutic
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 2

Textual Context
Use 'hermeneutic' when discussing methods for understanding written words, not for simple explanations.

She employed a hermeneutic approach to unlock the poem's deeper meanings.
Academic Tone
'Hermeneutic' carries a formal tone and is often used in educational or literary analysis settings.

His hermeneutic analysis of the text was commendable in the academic conference.
Not Just Texts
Though focused on texts, 'hermeneutic' can relate to interpreting symbols and art within context.

The hermeneutic interpretation of Renaissance art reveals much about that era's worldview.
Compare with
analyticaldescriptiveexplanatoryinterpretliterary
Quote examples
Paul Ricoeur
French Philosopher
Although there has always been a hermeneutic problem in Christianity, the hermeneutic question today seems to us a new one.

Quote examples
Paul Ricoeur
French Philosopher
There has always been a hermeneutic problem in Christianity because Christianity proceeds from a proclamation.

Quote examples
Paul Ricoeur
French Philosopher
Although there has always been a hermeneutic problem in Christianity, the hermeneutic question today seems to us a new one.

Quote examples
Paul Ricoeur
French Philosopher
There has always been a hermeneutic problem in Christianity because Christianity proceeds from a proclamation.

Example 1 of 2
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