Gnosis
/ˈɡnoʊ.sɪs/noun
A term used to refer to knowledge, especially spiritual or esoteric knowledge.
Did you know?In ancient Gnostic beliefs, the acquisition of 'Gnosis' was seen as a means to escape the material world's illusions and reconnect with the divine spark within.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵneh₁-
“to know, to recognize, to discern.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γνῶσις (gnōsis)
“knowledge, especially in a deeper, spiritual sense.”
Early Christian Era
Greek
γνῶσις (gnōsis)
“referring to esoteric knowledge that was believed to lead to salvation.”
2nd Century
Latin
gnosis
“adopted into Latin from Greek, often associated with Gnosticism.”
Modern English
English
gnosis
“retained in spiritual contexts, emphasizing a mystical knowledge beyond mere facts.”