agnosticism
UK[æɡˈnɒstɪsɪzəm]US[æɡˈnɑːstɪsɪzəm]
n
The belief that it is impossible to know whether God exists or not.
n
A position of doubt or uncertainty about a specific subject or question, often regarding ultimate truths.
Morpheme Breakdown
a
gnost
ism
a
without
gnost
knowledge
ism
doctrine
Etymology
The term 'agnosticism' was coined in 1869 by the English biologist T.H. Huxley from the Greek elements a- (without, not) and gnōsis (knowledge). It was constructed as a deliberate antithesis to 'Gnosticism,' an ancient religious movement claiming special spiritual knowledge. The literal meaning, "the doctrine of being without knowledge," was applied specifically to the question of the existence of God, reflecting a philosophical position that such matters are fundamentally unknowable. Over time, its usage broadened to denote a skeptical stance on any ultimate or metaphysical claim, preserving its core logic of professing a lack of certain knowledge.
Analysis
Structure: a (without) + gnost (knowledge) + ism (doctrine)
a-: A Greek prefix meaning "without," "not," or "lacking."
gnost: From the Greek gnōstos (known), related to gignōskein (to know).
-ism: A suffix of Greek origin via Latin, forming nouns denoting a system, principle, or doctrine.
Examples
His scientific training led him towards agnosticism rather than outright atheism.
In matters of the supernatural, she maintained a position of respectful agnosticism.
There is a growing agnosticism among experts about the long-term effects of the policy.