Copernican
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or characteristic of the astronomical theories of Nicolaus Copernicus: Specifically describing the model of the solar system in which the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun.
- Radically new and important; causing a major shift in understanding: Describing a fundamental change in a field of thought, comparable to the revolution initiated by Copernicus.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective (Astronomical):
- The Copernican model displaced the Earth from the center of the universe.
- Galileo's observations provided strong evidence for the Copernican system.
- Adjective (Figurative, revolutionary):
- Darwin introduced a Copernican shift in our understanding of biology.
- The invention of the internet represented a Copernican moment for global communication.
Advanced Usage
- "Copernican Revolution": A standard phrase used to denote a fundamental paradigm shift in any field of knowledge, modeled after the change from a geocentric to a heliocentric worldview.
- Kant described his own work in philosophy as a "Copernican Revolution."
- "Copernican Principle": In cosmology, the principle that humans are not privileged observers of the universe; Earth holds no special central position.
- The search for exoplanets is an application of the Copernican Principle.
Variants and Related Words
- Copernicanism (n): The astronomical system or theory proposed by Copernicus.
- The church initially opposed the spread of Copernicanism.
- Pre-Copernican (adj): Referring to the period or theories before the acceptance of the Copernican model.
- Pre-Copernican cosmology was largely geocentric.
Synonyms
- Heliocentric: Having or representing the sun as the center (specifically for the astronomical meaning).
- Revolutionary: Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.
- Paradigm-shifting: Constituting a fundamental change in the basic concepts of a discipline.
Related Phrases
- A Copernican turn: Similar to "Copernican Revolution," indicating a fundamental reorientation of perspective.
- The theory required a Copernican turn in how we view human consciousness.
Adjective
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according to Copernicus
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in the Copernican system the earth and other planets revolve around the sun
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of radical or major importance
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a Copernican revolution in modern art
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