Confucian

[ kuhn-fyoo-shuhn ]

noun

an adherent of the teachings of Confucius.
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

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

Origin of Confucian

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

Other words from Confucian

an·ti-Con·fu·cian, noun, adjective
post-Con·fu·cian, noun, adjective
pro-Con·fu·cian, noun, adjective

Words Nearby Confucian

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Confucian in a sentence

Six decades later, China is using the global recognition of Confucian thought to project its soft power.
Butterfly Effect: Chinese Communism Turns 100. Will It Live to 200? | Charu Kasturi | July 1, 2021 | Ozy
While reporters wrestle with the Confucian profundity of this statement, Joe is whisked back to Delaware.
Dave Barry’s Year in Review 2020 | Dave Barry | December 27, 2020 | Washington Post
Now that the Confucian-inspired mourning period is over, the son is free to embark on his own programs and policies.
Kim Jong Un’s Kid Gloves Are Now Off | Gordon G. Chang | December 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
U.S.-China relations could certainly stand a little Confucian “rectification.”
Find a China Reset Button | Orville Schell | June 7, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
In Confucian ethics there are more names given to different kinds of virtues than in the West.
A Fantasy of Far Japan | Baron Kencho Suyematsu

He was a man of high degree, equal to the Western M. A., and was one of the proudest and most overbearing of Confucian scholars.
How I Know God Answers Prayer | Rosalind Goforth
I am not a Confucian; because I cannot reduce religion to philosophy or elevate philosophy into religion.
The Prince of India, Volume I | Lew. Wallace
Such appears to have been, in all ages, the Confucian economy.
What is Property? | P. J. Proudhon
Need I say that the grouse was admirable, that everything was delicious, and the Confucian weed first chop?
Mount Rainier | Various

British Dictionary definitions for Confucian

Confucian

/ (kənˈfjuːʃən) /

adjective

of or relating to the doctrines of Confucius

noun

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

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