Basic Details
Word: Agnostic
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who believes that it's impossible to know if God exists or not.
Synonyms: Skeptic, Doubter
Antonyms: Believer, Faithful
Idioms and Phrases
- On the fence: To be undecided about something. Example: "She was on the fence about what to believe, much like an agnostic in faith."
- Keeping an open mind: To be willing to consider new ideas and not be fixed in belief. Example: "An agnostic often keeps an open mind when listening to different opinions about religion."
Usage Examples
Example 1: As an agnostic, he appreciated discussions about different religions without feeling pressured to choose a side.
Example 2: Some people identify as agnostic, feeling uncertain about the existence of a higher power.
Example 3: Being an agnostic means understanding that not everything can be proved or disproved.
Fun Fact
The term "agnostic" was coined by British philosopher Thomas Huxley in the late 19th century. He wanted to describe those who, unlike atheists or theists, kept an open question about the existence of God.
Famous Quote
"I have no faith in human perfectibility. I think that human nature is a constant, much as the law of gravity is constant." - Thomas Huxley
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "agnostic" mean?
a) A person who is certain about God
b) A person who believes it is impossible to know if God exists
c) A person who actively believes in a religion
d) A person who follows every belief
Answer: b) A person who believes it is impossible to know if God exists
2. Which of these is a synonym of "agnostic"?
a) Believer
b) Skeptic
c) Devout
d) Faithful
Answer: b) Skeptic
3. Which of these is an antonym of "agnostic"?
a) Doubter
b) Faithful
c) Uncertain
d) Questioner
Answer: b) Faithful
4. Which sentence correctly uses "agnostic"?
a) He was an agnostic, confident about his beliefs.
b) The agnostic enjoyed discussing various perspectives on spirituality.
c) She was agnostic when she prayed every day.
d) The agnostic always knew exactly which god to worship.
Answer: b) The agnostic enjoyed discussing various perspectives on spirituality.
5. Which phrase reflects the attitude of an agnostic?
a) Strongly opinionated
b) On the fence
c) Set in their ways
d) Certain of everything
Answer: b) On the fence
