Hermeneutic
/ˌhɜːr.məˈnjuː.tɪk/noun
Relating to interpretation, especially of texts, symbols, or meaning.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Hermes, the Greek messenger god, whose name became tied to explanation, translation, and the art of making hidden meaning intelligible.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
hermēneutikós (ἑρμηνευτικός)
“skilled in interpreting or explaining”
Ancient Greek
Greek
hermēneuein (ἑρμηνεύειν)
“to interpret, explain, translate”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Hermēs (Ἑρμῆς)
“Hermes, the messenger god associated with communication and mediation”
Late Latin
Latin
hermeneuticus
“pertaining to interpretation”
17th Century
English
hermeneutic
“relating to interpretation, especially of scripture or texts”
Modern English
English
hermeneutic
“relating to the theory and method of interpretation”
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