nihilistic
|ni-hi-lis-tic|
/ˌnaɪəˈlɪstɪk/
belief in nothing; rejection of values
Etymology
'nihilistic' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'nihil', where 'nihil' meant 'nothing'.
'nihilistic' changed from 19th-century German 'Nihilismus' and French 'nihilisme' (from Latin 'nihil') through the English noun 'nihilism' and the noun 'nihilist', and eventually became the modern English adjective 'nihilistic'.
Initially, it meant 'belief in nothing' (denial that anything has inherent meaning or value), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'rejection of moral and social values; an attitude that life is meaningless', including more political or destructive senses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to nihilism; rejecting all established moral or religious principles and holding that life is meaningless.
His nihilistic view made him indifferent to laws and traditions.
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Adjective 2
expressing or characterized by a denial of meaning or value; often implying a destructive, anarchic, or anti-establishment attitude.
The group's nihilistic rhetoric encouraged violence and chaos.
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Last updated: 2025/11/09 07:37