analects

[ an-l-ekts ]

plural noun

1. selected passages from the writings of an author or of different authors.

analects

/ ˌænəˈlɛktə; ˈænəˌlɛkts /

plural noun

1. selected literary passages from one or more works

Derived Forms

• ˌanaˈlectic, adjective

Other Words From

• ana·lectic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of analects¹

1615–25; < Latin analecta < Greek análekta, neuter plural of análektos (verbal adjective of analégein to pick up, gather up), equivalent to ana- ana- + -lek- gather (variant of -leg- ) + -tos verbal adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of analects¹

C17: via Latin from Greek analekta, from analegein to collect up, from legein to gather

Example Sentences

He wrote: “Analects,” etc., and is credited with having compiled the “Ancient Poems.”

From Project Gutenberg

We are told in the Confucian Analects that the master said, “The accomplished scholar is not a utensil.”

From Project Gutenberg

The doctrine of the sage is clearly expressed in the Analects, and amounts only to courtesy and propriety.

From Project Gutenberg

But by this method one misses much of the characterisation which is such an attractive feature of the Analects.

From Project Gutenberg

The works of Mencius abound, like the Confucian Analects, in sententious utterances.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• oeuvre