hermeneutics

American  

[hur-muh-noo-tiks, -nyoo-] / ˌhɜr məˈnu tɪks, -ˈnyu- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science of interpretation, especially of the Scriptures.

2. the branch of theology that deals with the principles of Biblical exegesis.

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hermeneutics British  

/ ˌhɜːmɪˈnjuːtɪks /

noun

1. the science of interpretation, esp of Scripture

2. the branch of theology that deals with the principles and methodology of exegesis

3. philosophy

   1. the study and interpretation of human behaviour and social institutions

   2. (in existentialist thought) discussion of the purpose of life

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Etymology

Origin of hermeneutics

First recorded in 1730–40; see origin at hermeneutic, -ics

Compare meaning

How does hermeneutics compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hermeneutics vs. exegesis

Explanation

Hermeneutics is a fancy word for interpretation. If you're interested in understanding the Bible on a deeper level, you might want to try hermeneutics. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the God of many things, including language and writing. He was every English teacher's dream. The word hermeneutics means the interpretation of language, whether written or spoken. Generally, hermeneutics is an activity that interests biblical scholars, and the word is sometimes used in philosophy as well. If you enjoy sitting in a library poring over the same book for hours from every angle, then you will love hermeneutics.

Example Sentences

To be fair to the practice of hermeneutics, there is also a more charitable way to look at Pence's remarks.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2023

One of the key ideas of hermeneutics is the suggestion that truth is relative to perspective and is not fixed.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

Sharpton was at the lectern letting his words roar and flow, telling stories that circled back on each other in the familiar hermeneutics of black preachers.

From Washington Post • Jun. 4, 2020

Joyce’s mythic scaffolding and verbal play identified him to academia as being essential both to modernism and to the project of hermeneutics.

From The Guardian • Mar. 18, 2017

If the solemn and deliberate language of resolutions is to be interpreted by contraries, what rule of hermeneutics shall we apply to the letter of a candidate?

From The Writings of James Russell Lowell in Prose and Poetry, Volume V Political Essays by Lowell, James Russell