CONFUCIAN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does Confucian mean? 

• CONFUCIAN (noun)
  The noun CONFUCIAN has 1 sense:

1. a believer in the teachings of Confucius

  Familiarity information: CONFUCIAN used as a noun is very rare.

• CONFUCIAN (adjective)
  The adjective CONFUCIAN has 1 sense:

1. relating to or characteristic of Confucianism

  Familiarity information: CONFUCIAN used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CONFUCIAN (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A believer in the teachings of Confucius

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

Confucian; Confucianist

Hypernyms ("Confucian" is a kind of...):

believer; truster (a supporter who accepts something as true)

• CONFUCIAN (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Relating to or characteristic of Confucianism

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

Confucian ethics

Pertainym:

Confucianism (the teachings of Confucius emphasizing love for humanity; high value given to learning and to devotion to family (including ancestors); peace; justice; influenced the traditional culture of China)

Derivation:

Confucius (Chinese philosopher whose ideas and sayings were collected after his death and became the basis of a philosophical doctrine known a Confucianism (circa 551-478 BC))