hermeneutics

American  

[hur-muh-noo-tiks, -nyoo-] / ˌhɜr məˈnu tɪks, -ˈnju- /

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; see origin at hermeneutic, -ics

Compare meaning

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

• hermeneutics vs. exegesis

Explanation

Hermeneutics is a fancy word for interpretation. If you're interested in understanding the Bible on a deeper level, you might want to try hermeneutics. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the God of many things, including language and writing. He was every English teacher's dream. The word hermeneutics means the interpretation of language, whether written or spoken. Generally, hermeneutics is an activity that interests biblical scholars, and the word is sometimes used in philosophy as well. If you enjoy sitting in a library poring over the same book for hours from every angle, then you will love hermeneutics.

Example Sentences

When engaged in hermeneutics, we are asking questions such as author’s intent, how the audience interprets the text in question, the assumptions that fuel the reader to make the conclusions they come to, etc.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

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 • Dec. 13, 2021

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 • Jun. 4, 2020

He joined her at classes on Bible translation and hermeneutics, and enjoyed them.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 15, 2019

It is chiefly in hermeneutics that Ernesti has any claim to eminence as a theologian.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 7 "Equation" to "Ethics" by Various