berkeleian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowAcademic / Philosophical
Quick answer
What does “berkeleian” mean?
Relating to or characteristic of the philosophy of George Berkeley (1685–1753), especially his theory that material objects exist only as perceptions in the mind.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or characteristic of the philosophy of George Berkeley (1685–1753), especially his theory that material objects exist only as perceptions in the mind.
Pertaining to the idealist philosophical doctrine that reality consists exclusively of minds and their ideas, denying the independent existence of material substance. Also used to describe someone who adheres to or advocates for Berkeley's philosophical views.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in philosophical contexts in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a specific, historical school of thought within empiricism and idealism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language, with equal, niche usage in academic philosophy departments in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “berkeleian” in a Sentence
[is/was/seems] Berkeleian[adopt/defend/reject] a Berkeleian [position/view]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “berkeleian” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The philosopher sought to Berkeleianise the theory of perception.
- He did not attempt to Berkeleian the argument.
American English
- The article attempts to Berkeleianize the concept of objects.
- She refused to Berkeleian her metaphysics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in philosophy, history of ideas, and theology to describe a specific epistemological and metaphysical position.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a precise label in philosophical writing and discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “berkeleian”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “berkeleian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “berkeleian”
- Misspelling as 'Berkleyan' or 'Berkelean'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'idealistic' in a non-philosophical sense.
- Confusing it with 'Berkelium' (the chemical element).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. It can be used as a noun ('He is a Berkeleian') to denote a follower of Berkeley, but this is less common than its adjectival use.
Its core is 'immaterialism' or 'subjective idealism': the belief that objects only exist as perceptions in minds, and there is no underlying material substance.
In British English, it is /bɑːˈkliː.ən/ (bar-KLEE-an). In American English, it is /bɚˈkli.ən/ (bur-KLEE-an). The stress is on the second syllable.
It would be highly unusual and likely confusing unless you are specifically discussing philosophy. It is a technical term confined to academic discourse.
Relating to or characteristic of the philosophy of George Berkeley (1685–1753), especially his theory that material objects exist only as perceptions in the mind.
Berkeleian is usually academic / philosophical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms containing 'Berkeleian'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BERKELEY + AN. Just as a 'Victorian' is from the era of Queen Victoria, a 'Berkeleian' idea is from the philosophy of George Berkeley.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE WORLD IS AN IDEA (Mind is the container of reality).
Practice
Quiz
A 'Berkeleian' philosopher is most likely to disagree with which of the following statements?