What does nihilism mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈnɪθɪlɪzəm/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun, Philosophy Term

Definition

The philosophical idea that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, and that any meaning or purpose we give to life is subjective and arbitrary.

Etymology

The term “nihilism” comes from the Latin “nihil,” meaning “nothing,” and was first used in the 19th century to describe the idea that life has no inherent meaning or purpose.

Usage Notes

Nihilism is often used to describe a person’s worldview, but it can also be used to describe a philosophy or ideology. It is important to be aware of the historical and philosophical context in which the term is used.

Cultural References

Nihilism has been a central theme in many works of literature, including Dostoevsky’s novel “The Depths,” which explores the idea of a world without God or morality.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Existential crisis” – a common idiomatic phrase used to describe the feeling of being thrown into a meaningless world without a clear sense of purpose or direction.

Collocations

• nihilism and meaninglessness
• nihilism and despair
• nihilism and chaos

Frequency of Use

Nihilism is a relatively rare term in modern language, but it has become more widely used in recent years due to its connection to existentialism and postmodernism.

Common Misspellings

• nihilism
• nihillism
• nililism