gnostic

¹

[ nos-tik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to knowledge.
2. possessing knowledge, especially esoteric knowledge of spiritual matters.
3. (initial capital letter) pertaining to or characteristic of the Gnostics.

noun

1. (initial capital letter) a member of any of certain sects among the early Christians who claimed to have superior knowledge of spiritual matters, and explained the world as created by powers or agencies arising as emanations from the Godhead.

-gnostic

²

1. a combination of -gnosis and -ic, used to form adjectives from stems ending in -gnosis:

   prognostic.

Gnostic

¹

/ ˈnɒstɪk /

noun

1. an adherent of Gnosticism

adjective

1. of or relating to Gnostics or to Gnosticism

gnostic

²

/ ˈnɒstɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or possessing knowledge, esp esoteric spiritual knowledge

Derived Forms

• ˈgnostically, adverb

Other Words From

• gnosti·cal·ly adverb
• anti·gnostic adjective noun
• anti·gnosti·cal adjective
• un·gnostic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnostic¹

1555–65; < Late Latin Gnōsticī (plural) name of the sect < Greek gnōstikós (singular) pertaining to knowledge, equivalent to gnōst ( ós ) known + -ikos -ic

Origin of gnostic²

< Medieval Latin -gnōsticus < Greek gnōstikós pertaining to knowledge

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnostic¹

C16: from Late Latin Gnosticī the Gnostics, from Greek gnōstikos relating to knowledge, from gnōstos known, from gignōskein to know

Example Sentences

Joined by about a dozen longtime collaborators and close family members, he leads the ensemble in a few traditional songs and a handful of originals built on gnostic, historically grounded lyrics and drifting, driving rhythms.

From New York Times

He became a gnostic voice of cinema and a pariah, at least in mainstream circles.

From New York Times

“I was a nomad after losing my room, and I was a gnostic because I had to survive by my wits,” he told The Times.

From New York Times

For many years, some Catholics in public life have been enjoying illicit dual religious citizenship — pro-church on Sunday yet followers otherwise of a gnostic creed that deems abortion an untouchable totem.

From Washington Post

The room was silent — no beating hearts, ticking clocks or gnostic ravens — except for the creak of a chair and the soft flutter of a turning page.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• astute
• discerning
• discreet
• incisive
• insightful
• intuitive
• knowing
• knowledgeable
• observant
• penetrating
• wise