ricoeur: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyFormal, Academic, Specialist (Philosophy, Literary Theory, Hermeneutics, Theology)
Quick answer
What does “ricoeur” mean?
A proper noun referring to the influential 20th-century French philosopher Paul Ricoeur (1913–2005).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to the influential 20th-century French philosopher Paul Ricoeur (1913–2005).
Used metonymically to refer to Ricoeur's philosophy, which integrates phenomenology, hermeneutics, narrative theory, and the study of metaphor, language, and personal identity. In academic contexts, it can function as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'a Ricoeurean concept').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in spelling or reference. Pronunciation follows standard French for both, but American English may show slightly more variation in approximating the French /ʁ/.
Connotations
Identical connotations in academic philosophy, literary theory, and theology in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with equal, highly specialized rarity in academic texts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “ricoeur” in a Sentence
Ricoeur + verb (argues/claims/suggests/develops)Ricoeur's + noun (work/theory/hermeneutics/reading)Adjective (Ricoeurean) + noun (analysis/interpretation/framework)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ricoeur” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A Ricoeurean reading of the text focuses on narrative temporality.
American English
- Her approach is deeply Ricoeurean in its hermeneutic sensitivity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in philosophy, literary theory, religious studies, and related humanities disciplines to discuss his specific ideas.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used as a proper noun and theoretical referent in technical philosophical discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ricoeur”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ricoeur”
- Misspelling: 'Ricouer', 'Ricoer', 'Ricœur' (incorrect diacritic).
- Mispronouncing as 'Rye-coor' or 'Rick-ower'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a ricoeur of ideas' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the untranslated surname of a French philosopher used as a proper noun in English academic discourse.
English speakers commonly approximate the French pronunciation as /riˈkɜːr/. The original French is /ʁi.kœʁ/.
Yes, in academic writing, the derivative 'Ricoeurean' (sometimes 'Ricœurian') is used as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'a Ricoeurean perspective').
He is best known for his work in philosophical hermeneutics (the theory of interpretation), phenomenology, the philosophy of language (especially metaphor), and his theory of narrative identity.
A proper noun referring to the influential 20th-century French philosopher Paul Ricoeur (1913–2005).
Ricoeur is usually formal, academic, specialist (philosophy, literary theory, hermeneutics, theology) in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Link to 'core' of hermeneutics: Ricoeur is at the CORE of philosophical hermeneutics.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING/PHILOSOPHY IS A PERSON (Metonymy where the person's name stands for the entire intellectual system).
Practice
Quiz
In which academic field is the name 'Ricoeur' primarily used?