Nihilistic
Adjective
Definition: Rejecting or denying the existence of values or moral principles, often resulting in a belief that life and existence have no intrinsic meaning or purpose.
Synonyms: Pessimistic, Skeptical, Cynical
Antonyms: Optimistic, Hopeful, Idealistic
- He had a nihilistic attitude towards societal conventions and norms.
- The protagonist's nihilistic worldview led to a sense of apathy and detachment.
- 'Nihilistic' sounds like 'nihil', which means nothing or zero in Latin, reflecting the belief in the absence of meaning or value.
Etymology:
The word 'nihilistic' derives from the Latin term 'nihil', which means 'nothingness' or 'nothing'. It is derived from the Latin word 'nihilum', meaning 'nothing'.
Historical Usage:The concept of nihilism emerged in the mid-19th century, primarily through the writings of Russian author Ivan Turgenev and German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. It gained prominence during the existentialist movement of the 20th century.
Related Idioms:
"Nihilistic worldview"
Explanation:Referring to a perspective or belief system that rejects traditional values, morals, and ideals, considering them meaningless or insignificant.
Misconceptions:
Confusing nihilism with pessimism.
Explanation:Although nihilism can be associated with pessimism, it goes beyond a mere negative outlook on life and instead challenges the existence of objective values and meanings. Pessimism focuses on a negative interpretation of life, while nihilism challenges the notion of any inherent meaning.