epistemology

noun

epis·​te·​mol·​o·​gy i-ˌpi-stə-ˈmä-lə-jē How to pronounce epistemology (audio)
: the study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity
epistemologist
i-ˌpi-stə-ˈmä-lə-jist How to pronounce epistemology (audio)
noun

Examples of epistemology in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That distinction between measurement and narrative is what defines your portfolio epistemology. — Barry Cousins, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 But unlike Disclosure or Airframe or—above all—State of Fear, his spate of latter-day thrill-eds, Sphere unpolemically inhabits this epistemology of doubt that colors so much of his work. — Ian MacKenzie, Literary Hub, 27 May 2026 The book surveys Kant’s huge corpus, including his work on metaphysics, epistemology, nature, religion, politics, and international relations. — Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2025 Wood taught a variety of philosophy classes, including introduction to philosophy, epistemology, philosophy of religion, and virtues and vices. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for epistemology

Word History

Etymology

Greek epistḗmē "skill, expertise, knowledge" + -o- + -logy, initially as translation of German Wissenschaftslehre — more at epistemic

First Known Use

circa 1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epistemology was circa 1856

Rhymes for epistemology

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Browse Nearby Words

epistemologist
epistemology
epistemophilia
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Cite this Entry

“Epistemology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epistemology. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on epistemology

Nglish: Translation of epistemology for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epistemology

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