Definition

1. Noun:
   • Intuitive knowledge of spiritual truths; said to have been possessed by ancient Gnostics: "Gnosis" refers to a form of direct, personal, and mystical knowledge or insight into spiritual realities, often considered superior to intellectual or faith-based understanding. It is a term historically associated with Gnostic traditions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient texts describe gnosis as a secret knowledge that liberates the soul.
  • She sought not just belief, but a personal gnosis of the divine.

Advanced Usage

• "To attain gnosis": to achieve or gain this direct spiritual knowledge.
  • The mystic's goal was to attain gnosis through meditation and revelation.

Variants and Related Words

• Gnostic (adj): Pertaining to gnosis or to Gnosticism.
  • Gnostic teachings often emphasize the importance of inner knowledge.
• Gnosticism (n): A collection of ancient religious ideas and systems centering on the concept of .
  • Gnosticism was a significant movement in the early centuries of Christianity.

Synonyms

• Esoteric knowledge: Knowledge that is intended for or understood by only a small group with specialized interest.
• Illumination: Spiritual or intellectual enlightenment.
• Insight: The capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of a spiritual or personal matter.

Related Idioms

• "The gnosis of the heart": A phrase emphasizing intuitive, non-intellectual spiritual understanding.
  • For him, true religion was not about dogma, but about the gnosis of the heart.

Noun

1. intuitive knowledge of spiritual truths; said to have been possessed by ancient Gnostics