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Confucian

American  
[kuhn-fyoo-shuhn] / kənˈfyu ʃən /

noun

  1. an adherent of the teachings of Confucius.

  2. Also called Ju.  a member of the school of philosophers, founded by Confucius, who codified in their teachings the traditional Chinese principles of ethics, morals, and politics.


adjective

  1. of, relating to, or resembling the teachings of Confucius.

Confucian British  
/ kənˈfjuːʃən /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the doctrines of Confucius

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a follower of Confucius

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • anti-Confucian noun
  • post-Confucian noun
  • pro-Confucian noun

Etymology

Origin of Confucian

First recorded in 1830–40; Confuci(us) + -an

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a society still influenced by Confucian values such as righteousness and obedience, mental health issues remain heavily stigmatised and many experience feelings of shame or social judgement.

From BBC

As the great Confucian Yogi Berra once observed, it’s getting late early—and if you’re going to read a Jason in the Journal, read Zweig.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Turandot” is a riddle opera of Confucian confusion for which Puccini hadn’t found a solution.

From Los Angeles Times

During major holidays, they perform Confucian family rituals, placing rice, fruit and dried fish on an altar and bowing toward their ancestors’ graves in the North.

From New York Times

Like many court ceremonies, the Confucian ritual that has been performed for centuries at the royal Jongmyo shrine in Korea, is meticulous and measured, stately and restrained.

From New York Times