hobbes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal (when referring to the philosopher). Informal/Colloquial (when referring to the comic strip character).
Quick answer
What does “hobbes” mean?
A proper noun, primarily referring to Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679), the English political philosopher known for his work on social contract theory and his famous phrase "the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" describing the state of nature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun, primarily referring to Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679), the English political philosopher known for his work on social contract theory and his famous phrase "the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" describing the state of nature.
It can also refer to a fictional tiger, Hobbes, from the comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes" by Bill Watterson, characterized as a stuffed toy that becomes a real tiger in the imagination of the boy Calvin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a proper noun, no major differences exist. However, familiarity with Thomas Hobbes (historical figure) is perhaps slightly higher in UK academic contexts. The comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes" is equally popular in both regions.
Connotations
UK: Primarily connotes the 17th-century philosopher, his ideas, and English intellectual history. US: More commonly evokes the beloved comic strip character alongside the philosopher.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but appears in academic (philosophy/political science), literary, and popular culture (comics) contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hobbes” in a Sentence
Proper Noun, no valency patterns.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hobbes” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Hobbesian analysis of the conflict
American English
- A Hobbesian view of human nature
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except perhaps in metaphorical use describing a cutthroat competitive environment.
Academic
Frequent in philosophy, political science, history, and literature courses discussing social contract theory.
Everyday
Mostly in reference to the comic strip character among fans.
Technical
Used in political philosophy and intellectual history texts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hobbes”
- Using it with an article (e.g., 'a Hobbes', 'the Hobbes') when referring to the person/character.
- Misspelling as 'Hobbs'.
- Using it as a verb or adjective (incorrect: 'The situation was very hobbes.').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost exclusively a proper noun (a name). It does not function as a common noun with a general meaning.
In British English, it is pronounced /hɒbz/ (like 'hobs'). In American English, it is /hɑːbz/ (like 'hahbs').
It is an adjective meaning 'relating to or characteristic of the ideas of Thomas Hobbes,' typically describing a bleak, competitive, and anarchic view of human society without governance.
Only as a proper noun (e.g., 'He's a real Hobbes' would be incorrect). You can use the adjective 'Hobbesian' metaphorically (e.g., 'a Hobbesian struggle for power').
A proper noun, primarily referring to Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679), the English political philosopher known for his work on social contract theory and his famous phrase "the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" describing the state of nature.
Hobbes is usually formal (when referring to the philosopher). informal/colloquial (when referring to the comic strip character). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Hobbesian choice (a choice between two undesirable alternatives)”
- “A Hobbesian state of nature”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Hobbes: 'HOme-Bound English Sage' for the philosopher; or 'Hugely OBservant Best Friend, Eternally Sagacious' for the tiger.
Conceptual Metaphor
Hobbesian state of nature as a metaphor for unrestrained competition or anarchy. Hobbes the tiger as a metaphor for imagination, friendship, and wisdom disguised in play.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Hobbes' primarily known as?