Confucius

[ kuhn-fyoo-shuhs ]

/ kənˈfyu ʃəs /

Save This Word!

noun

Kǔng Qiū, 551? b.c.–478? b.c., Chinese philosopher and teacher.

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Chinese K'ung Fu-tzŭ.

Origin of Confucius

First recorded in 1770–80; Latinization of Chinese Kǔng Fūzǐ “Master Kung” (birth name Kǔng Qiū ) by European Jesuits in China in the 17th century

Words nearby Confucius

confrontation, confrontational, confrontationist, Confucian, Confucianism, Confucius, con fuoco, confusable, confuse, confused, confused elderly

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use Confucius in a sentence

During the Cultural Revolution, books authored by the philosopher-sage Confucius were publicly burned.
Butterfly Effect: Chinese Communism Turns 100. Will It Live to 200?|Charu Kasturi|July 1, 2021|Ozy
The great Chinese philosopher Confucius put forward a timeless and important doctrine: The rectification of names.
Yousef Munayyer Responds to His Critics|Yousef Munayyer|March 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Sora's Chinese name has more than 41 million page hits on Google, exceeding that of Mao Zedong, Yao Ming, or Confucius.
Porn Star Sora Aoi Is Taking China by Storm|Isaac Stone Fish|May 20, 2011|DAILY BEAST
How superior is Confucius—the first of mortals who have not been favored with revelations!
A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 1 (of 10)|Franois-Marie Arouet (AKA Voltaire)

No ancient teacher enjoined the duties based on an immutable morality with more force than Confucius, Buddha, and Epictetus.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord
Nor did he claim, any more than Confucius, originality of doctrines, only the revival of forgotten or neglected truths.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord
Confucius held his high office as minister of Justice for two years longer, and some suppose he was made prime minister.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord
For two thousand years Confucius has reigned supreme,--the undisputed teacher of a population of three or four hundred millions.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord

British Dictionary definitions for Confucius

Confucius

/ (kənˈfjuːʃəs) /

noun

Chinese name Kong Zi or K'ung Fu-tse. 551–479 bc, Chinese philosopher and teacher of ethics (see Confucianism). His doctrines were compiled after his death under the title The Analects 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

Cultural definitions for Confucius

Confucius

A Chinese philosopher of the sixth century b.c.; the founder of Confucianism. His teachings have come down to us as a collection of short sayings.