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bergson: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ˈbɜːɡs(ə)n/US/ˈbɜːrɡsən/

Formal, Academic

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Quick answer

What does “bergson” mean?

A proper noun referring to Henri Bergson (1859–1941), a French philosopher known for his theories on time, consciousness, and creative evolution.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A proper noun referring to Henri Bergson (1859–1941), a French philosopher known for his theories on time, consciousness, and creative evolution.

Used to denote the philosophical ideas, system, or influence associated with Henri Bergson, particularly concepts like durée (duration), élan vital (vital impulse), and intuition versus intellect.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in usage or meaning between British and American English.

Connotations

Connotes early 20th-century philosophy, vitalism, and critiques of mechanistic science.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to philosophical, literary, or historical discussions.

Grammar

How to Use “bergson” in a Sentence

Proper noun (subject/object)Attributive noun (Bergson + noun)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Henri BergsonBergson's philosophyBergsonian intuition
medium
influence of Bergsonreading BergsonBergson and durée
weak
philosopher Bergsonworks of BergsonBergson argued

Examples

Examples of “bergson” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • Her thesis explored Bergsonian concepts of time.

American English

  • The novel shows a distinctly Bergsonian influence.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used in philosophy, intellectual history, literature, and theology departments when discussing early 20th-century thought.

Everyday

Extremely rare outside of educated discussion.

Technical

Used as a proper noun in philosophical texts and historical analyses.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “bergson”

Neutral

the philosopherHenri Bergson

Weak

the vitalistthe intuitionist

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “bergson”

  • Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a bergson').
  • Misspelling as 'Bergsson' or 'Burgson'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is almost exclusively a proper noun referring to the philosopher Henri Bergson or his ideas.

Primarily in academic philosophy, intellectual history, and literary studies.

The adjective is 'Bergsonian', used to describe ideas, influences, or attributes related to his philosophy.

Yes, his ideas significantly influenced early 20th-century literature, art, and theology.

A proper noun referring to Henri Bergson (1859–1941), a French philosopher known for his theories on time, consciousness, and creative evolution.

Bergson is usually formal, academic in register.

Bergson: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːɡs(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːrɡsən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: BERG (mountain) + SON (child). Imagine a philosopher whose ideas are a 'mountain' born from his mind.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME IS A FLOWING STREAM (central to Bergson's concept of durée).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The concept of is central to Bergson's critique of mechanistic philosophy.
Multiple Choice

What is 'durée' in Bergson's philosophy?

bergson: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore