hegelian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “hegelian” mean?
Relating to the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831) or his philosophy of dialectical idealism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831) or his philosophy of dialectical idealism.
Adhering to or influenced by Hegel's philosophical system, which emphasises the process of dialectic (thesis, antithesis, synthesis) and the concept that reality is a manifestation of mind or spirit (Absolute Idealism). Also used as a noun to denote a follower of Hegel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or grammatical usage. The primary distinction is occasional variation in pronunciation.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of complex, systematic, and sometimes abstruse philosophical thought.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both British and American English, confined almost exclusively to academic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “hegelian” in a Sentence
Attributive use: Hegelian + noun (e.g., Hegelian philosophy)Prepositional phrase: in the Hegelian tradition/senseNoun phrase: a Hegelian (follower)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hegelian” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His thesis offered a distinctly Hegelian analysis of historical progress.
- The lecturer's Hegelian perspective was both illuminating and challenging.
American English
- Her argument followed a basically Hegelian framework.
- That's a very Hegelian way of looking at the conflict.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in philosophy, intellectual history, political theory, and theology departments.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would typically only appear in discussions among those with a background in philosophy.
Technical
Used as a precise descriptor within philosophical writing and discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hegelian”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hegelian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hegelian”
- Misspelling: 'Hegelian' with one 'e' (Heglian) or double 'g' (Heggelian).
- Incorrect capitalisation in mid-sentence (should be capitalised).
- Mispronunciation, particularly stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., /ˈhɛɡəliən/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as it is derived from a proper name (Hegel), it is conventionally capitalised in both adjective and noun forms.
It is a method of argument or reasoning comprising a thesis (an idea), its antithesis (opposing idea), and a synthesis that resolves the conflict between them.
Yes, it can refer to a person who follows or supports Hegel's philosophy, e.g., 'He was a committed Hegelian.'
'Dialectical' is a broader term for a method of reasoning involving contradiction and resolution. 'Hegelian' specifically refers to Hegel's version of dialectics, which is idealist (mind-centred) rather than materialist.
Hegelian is usually formal, academic in register.
Hegelian: in British English it is pronounced /heɪˈɡiːlɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪˈɡeɪliən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HEGELian: His Elaborate GEist (German for 'mind/spirit') Elucidates Life's Abstract Nature.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORY / THOUGHT IS A DIALECTICAL JOURNEY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Hegelian' MOST frequently used?