finite understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finite understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited or restricted comprehension of a subject or concept. Example: "Despite years of study, I still feel I have only a finite understanding of the complexities of quantum physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Philosophy

Theology

General Discourse

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Descartes held that final causal or teleological thinking is useless in physics, not because physical nature is not in fact teleological, but because our finite understanding cannot hope to understand the divine will, hence cannot grasp the purposes with which physical nature is imbued.

SEP

But then Denis showed that even the revealed names, since they must be comprehensible to humans' finite understanding, cannot possibly reach or express the nature of God; and that in consequence, every affirmative statement about God requires at once the corrective of the coordinate negation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These light installations disrupt our finite understanding with space.

Vice

As humans, we consistently take the infinite and subject it to our finite understanding.

Huffington Post

The concept, in theory, is familiar: to forgive is to recognize the reality of human fallibility and our finite understanding of the cruelty and injustice we at times bear witness to in an imperfect world.

HuffPost

Abortion is a tragedy in and of itself, regardless of whether or not we, as individuals or as a society, feel that it is so. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says we see things imperfectly in our finite understanding, but one day we will see with perfect clarity. Only then will our perception of abortion match reality.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If human beings fail to understand how this is possible, that must be due to the finite and limited understanding of human beings.

The New York Times

The finite-element simulations often require good understanding of finite-element modeling, physics-based failure models, and time-, temperandre-, andirection-dependentnt material constitutive behavior.

Microelectronics Reliability

This shows the importance of finite element modeling in understanding the relation between mechanical loading and damage mechanisms.

Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials

Effective strategies to fabricate finite organic nanoparticles and understanding their structure-dependent cell interaction is highly important for the development of long circulating nanocarriers in cancer therapy.

Bioactive Materials

One such area is that of pseudo-random perturbation signals for system identification, in which those signals based on maximum-length sequences require an understanding of finite fields.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing philosophical or theological concepts, use "finite understanding" to acknowledge the inherent limitations of human comprehension in grasping infinite or divine concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "finite understanding" as an absolute barrier to knowledge. Instead, frame it as a call for continuous learning and intellectual humility, recognizing that while understanding may be limited, it is not necessarily impossible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finite understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "finite" modifies the noun "understanding". It describes the quality or state of having a limited or restricted comprehension. Ludwig AI indicates this is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "finite understanding" accurately describes the limitations of human comprehension. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It's often employed in philosophical, theological, and scientific contexts to acknowledge that our knowledge has boundaries. While it's a useful way to express intellectual humility, avoid using it to suggest that knowledge is impossible. Consider alternatives such as ""limited comprehension"" or ""incomplete grasp"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited comprehension

Emphasizes the restriction or boundary of understanding.

incomplete grasp

Focuses on the lack of full or total understanding.

restricted knowledge

Highlights the constraint on the amount of information known.

imperfect knowledge

Indicates that understanding is flawed or not ideal.

limited perception

Stresses the restricted ability to perceive or understand.

bounded rationality

Highlights the cognitive limitations on decision-making.

constrained insight

Focuses on the limited depth of understanding or awareness.

partial awareness

Emphasizes that only a portion of the subject is understood.

circumscribed intellect

Highlights the limited scope of intellectual capacity.

narrow understanding

Emphasizes the restricted breadth or scope of comprehension.

FAQs

What does "finite understanding" mean?

The phrase "finite understanding" refers to the limited or restricted capacity of human beings to fully comprehend complex or infinite concepts. It acknowledges the boundaries of our knowledge and comprehension.

How can I use "finite understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "finite understanding" to express the idea that our knowledge or comprehension of something is limited. For example, "Due to our "finite understanding", we may never fully grasp the mysteries of the universe."

What are some alternatives to "finite understanding"?

Alternatives to "finite understanding" include "limited comprehension", "incomplete grasp", or "restricted knowledge" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "finite understanding" in academic writing?

Yes, "finite understanding" is appropriate for academic writing, particularly when discussing philosophical, theological, or scientific concepts where the limits of human knowledge are relevant. It can convey a sense of intellectual humility and encourage further inquiry.