agnostic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "agnostic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who does not claim to know the truth about something, such as whether or not a god exists. For example, "John is an agnostic; he is not sure whether or not he believes in a higher power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Related: Dheepan review - Tamil Tiger loose in the urban jungle makes powerful thriller Yorgos Lanthimos's The Lobster got the jury prize: a movie about which I was agnostic: a brilliant absurdist comedy in its first half with some dazzling satire about modern society's reverence for relationships and coupledom.

The Guardian - Film

The performance framework that I will announce today is agnostic about how aid is delivered, other than to ensure it is effective and efficient and we partner with the most effective organisations that have the capability to achieve the best possible results.

The Guardian

Now a permanent Australian resident, she describes herself as an agnostic but says: "a lot of people think I'm Muslim because of my surname and because of the way I look".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Chamberlain bridles when I suggest that hunting trails rather than foxes is no more than a glorified hack – a chance to enjoy a pleasant day out with some challenging riding – but that's the way it looks to this townie and hunting agnostic.

The Guardian

Being unaffiliated is not the same as being atheist or agnostic, but it does suggest a waning of evangelical institutional authority, just as traditional authority in the old-established churches began crumbling several decades ago.Some might well think that a leftward turn for American Christianity would simply restore it to its proper place.

The Economist

For largely agnostic nations such as Britain to hound Nigeria and others with threats to withhold aid smacks of cultural imperialism.

The Economist

A confirmed agnostic, he enjoyed the life of the mind, and would plough through English, Dutch and French literature with equal enthusiasm.

The Economist

The tendency of his poems to focus on the anxiety of an agnostic faith has made him an easy target for parody.

The Economist

It may have a sturdier champion in Jon Cruddas, the cerebral left-wing backbencher whom many fancy as at least a deputy leader of the party.Atheist intellectuals and the cheerfully agnostic or indifferent are numerous in the parliamentary party and among Labour's base (as are Muslims and other non-Christian minorities).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Google's Android operating system, by contrast, is device-agnostic.

The Economist

Unlike many conventional games, the game is age-agnostic and readily comprehensible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "agnostic" in technical contexts, clearly define the specific area of uncertainty to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "framework-agnostic" or "platform-agnostic".

Common error

Avoid using "agnostic" when you mean "atheist." "Agnostic" indicates uncertainty about the existence of God or higher powers, while "atheist" indicates a disbelief in God or higher powers.

Linguistic Context

The word "agnostic" functions primarily as an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, it describes something characterized by uncertainty or non-commitment. As a noun, it refers to a person who holds agnostic beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "agnostic" is a versatile word, functioning as both an adjective and a noun, primarily used to denote uncertainty or a non-committal stance, especially concerning the existence of God or in technical contexts. Its usage is grammatically correct and prevalent across diverse sources, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word "agnostic" is both correct and usable. While frequently employed, it's crucial to differentiate "agnostic" from "atheist" to avoid misrepresentation. Use the practical tips and related phrases provided to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skeptical

Expresses doubt or disbelief, differing from "agnostic" which implies uncertainty rather than outright disbelief.

dubious

Expresses uncertainty or hesitance, similar to "agnostic" but may carry a stronger negative connotation.

undecided

Indicates a lack of decision or opinion, whereas "agnostic" specifically relates to knowledge or belief.

unconvinced

Implies a lack of persuasion or belief, whereas "agnostic" is about a lack of knowledge or certainty.

unbelieving

Suggests a lack of faith or acceptance, differing from "agnostic" which is a lack of certainty about knowledge or existence.

neutral

Suggests impartiality or lack of bias, while "agnostic" is about uncertainty regarding knowledge claims.

questioning

Indicates an attitude of inquiry and doubt, similar to "agnostic" but more active in its search for answers.

uncommitted

Implies a lack of dedication or engagement, unlike "agnostic" which is about a lack of certainty.

noncommittal

Avoids making definite statements or decisions, while "agnostic" is specifically about uncertainty of knowledge.

open-minded

Suggests a willingness to consider different ideas, but "agnostic" specifically addresses a lack of conviction.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "agnostic"?

Being "agnostic" means that you don't claim to know whether something exists or is true, especially regarding the existence of God or other deities. It reflects a position of uncertainty or doubt.

How do I use "agnostic" in a sentence?

You can use "agnostic" to describe a person (e.g., "He is an agnostic") or to describe a system or approach that is neutral or independent of specific platforms or technologies (e.g., "a platform-agnostic solution").

What's the difference between "agnostic" and "atheist"?

"Agnostic" refers to someone who believes that the existence or non-existence of God is unknown or unknowable. "Atheist", on the other hand, is someone who does not believe in the existence of God. An atheist actively disbelieves, while an agnostic neither believes nor disbelieves but remains unsure.

What are some alternatives to the word "agnostic"?

Depending on the context, you could use "skeptical", "undecided", "neutral", or "open-minded". Choose the word that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.