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; hermeneutic, -ics

Compare meaning

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

• hermeneutics vs. exegesis

Example Sentences

In the study of hermeneutics, this is a technique known as proof texting: starting with a particular belief and working backward to find a biblical passage that seems to support this idea.

From Salon

I found that when I looked in bibliographies, I was running across words like "phenomenology" and "hermeneutics" and things I didn't quite understand why they were there.

From Salon

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

At the very end of her essay, she briefly, tantalisingly floats another possible approach, which is more concerned with creativity and repair than the so-called hermeneutics of suspicion.

From The Guardian

Online mobs may not be immersed in biblical hermeneutics, but because of such deep cultural legacies, a snake emoji is a cheap and easy sexist code.

From Washington Post