weltanschauung etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "Weltanschauung" is a German compound noun, translated literally as "world-view" or "worldview." It is composed of the following elements:

  • Welt (noun): world
  • Anschauung (noun): view, perspective, conception

Together, these elements denote a comprehensive and fundamental view of the world, encompassing one's beliefs, values, and understanding of reality.

Origin

The term "Weltanschauung" was coined by the German philosopher Wilhelm Dilthey in the 19th century. He used it to describe the subjective, personal, and often intuitive way that individuals view and interpret the world.

Dilthey argued that Weltanschauung is not based solely on objective knowledge or scientific data, but rather on a combination of personal experiences, emotions, and cultural influences. He believed that Weltanschauung shapes an individual's perception of reality, their values, and their decision-making.

Over time, the term "Weltanschauung" has been widely adopted in the fields of philosophy, sociology, and anthropology. It is used to refer to the underlying beliefs and assumptions that guide a person's or group's understanding of the world and their place in it.

weltanschauung relate terms

  • show

    Etymology Word etymology Origin Greek Meaning true sense of a word Breakdown et

  • world

    Etymology Old English weoruld Proto Germanic weralz Proto Indo European wer to t

  • yard

    Etymology of yard The word yard has several etymological origins Old English gea

  • worldly

    Etymology Old English weorold world from Proto Germanic weralz world people C

  • view

    Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek words etymon true meaning an

  • position

    Etymology From Middle English posicion from Anglo Norman posicion from Old French pos

  • perspective

    Etymology Perspective comes from the Latin word perspicere which means to see throu

  • comedy

    Etymology The word comedy comes from the Greek word κωμῳδία kōmōidía wh

  • company

    Etymology and Meaning of Company The word company is derived from the Late Latin word

  • talent

    Etymology The word talent has two distinct etymologies Greek τάλαντον Mea

  • vignette

    Etymology The word vignette comes from the French word vigne meaning vine or vine

  • appreciate

    Etymology Origin Latin appreciare from ad towards and pretium price value M

  • occult

    Etymology The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus which means hidden

  • obedience

    Etymology The word obedience comes from the Latin word obsequium which means a lis