Nihilistic
/ˌnaɪ.əˈlɪs.tɪk/noun
Relating to nihilism, the belief that life has no objective meaning, purpose, or value.
Did you know?The core root behind nihilistic is Latin *nihil* (“nothing”), a stark word that later gave philosophers a term for the rejection of meaning, value, and authority.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
nihil
“nothing”
Late Latin
Latin
nihilismus
“a doctrine of nothingness”
18th Century
Latin/French
nihilisme
“the belief that nothing can be known or affirmed”
19th Century
French/English
nihilistic
“pertaining to nihilism or nihilists”
Modern English
English
nihilistic
“rejecting meaning, value, or established beliefs”
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