noetic
|no-et-ic|
🇺🇸
/noʊˈɛtɪk/
🇬🇧
/nəʊˈɛtɪk/
relating to intellectual or intuitive knowing
Etymology
'noetic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'noētikos' (Greek νοητικός), where the root 'noē-'/'noēsis' came from 'noein' meaning 'to think' or 'to perceive intellectually'.
'noetic' entered English in the 19th century (via French 'noétique' and New Latin formations), ultimately tracing back to Greek 'noētikos' from 'noein'; the modern English 'noetic' developed from these classical and modern scholarly uses.
Initially, it meant 'pertaining to intellectual apprehension or the intellect'; over time it has come to be used also for 'intuitive' or 'spiritually perceptive' kinds of knowing in philosophical and spiritual contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a noetic quality or instance of intuitive or intellectual insight (rare; related to 'noesis').
He spoke of a noetic that transformed his understanding of life.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
relating to intellectual, rational, or cognitive activity; pertaining to the mind's understanding or intellect.
The paper explored the noetic aspects of human reasoning.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
relating to intuitive or direct apprehension of truth or insight (often used in philosophy and spiritual contexts to mean 'intuitive knowing').
She described the meditation as a noetic experience that revealed a deep inner truth.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/24 21:53