The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.8

Improve Your Vocabulary Today!

Philistine

noun

/ˈfɪlɪstʌɪn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of philistine

A person who is indifferent or opposed to culture, art, and intellectual pursuits, and is considered to be lacking in taste and refinement.
"He was a Philistine, unappreciative of the fine arts and unable to recognize true talent."

Detailed meaning of philistine

The term is derived from the ancient Philistines, a people who were known for their military prowess but were not considered to be culturally advanced.

The term is often used to describe someone who is uneducated or unsophisticated, and who does not appreciate or understand the finer things in life. They are considered to be lacking in culture and sophistication and often seen as being opposed to artistic and intellectual values. Philistine people could be seen as uncivilized, unenlightened, unrefined and not open to new ideas and perspectives. They are also considered to be narrow-minded and closed-minded, with little interest in anything that isn't familiar to them.

It can also be used in a broader sense, to describe a society or culture that is seen as lacking in cultural or intellectual pursuits, and that is indifferent to or opposed to the arts, literature, and other forms of cultural expression.

Example sentences containing philistine

1. The Philistine scoffed at the museum's exquisite paintings.
2. She dismissed the classical music as Philistine noise.
3. His Philistine attitude towards literature was disheartening.
4. The Philistine had no interest in attending the ballet.
5. Their Philistine taste in fashion was quite evident.
6. He was the epitome of a true Philistine, ignorant of art.

History and etymology of philistine

The noun 'Philistine' has an etymology that harkens back to ancient history. It originally referred to the ancient Philistines, a people who lived in the region of Canaan and were mentioned in the Bible as adversaries of the Israelites. In biblical narratives, the Philistines were often depicted as enemies of culture and civilization. Over time, the term 'Philistine' evolved to describe a person who is indifferent or opposed to culture, art, and intellectual pursuits, and is considered to be lacking in taste and refinement. This transformation of meaning reflects the historical perception of the Philistines as a people who were seen as uncultured and opposed to intellectual and artistic endeavors. The etymology of 'Philistine' thus connects this modern sense of the term to its ancient roots, emphasizing the association between cultural indifference and the historical depiction of the Philistines.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun philistine:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of philistine

1. The Philistine's disdain for poetry was palpable.
2. She rolled her eyes at the Philistine's taste in films.
3. He proudly wore his Philistine badge of ignorance.
4. The Philistine's indifference to theater was astonishing.
5. She found herself surrounded by Philistine coworkers.
6. He smirked at the Philistine's lack of cultural awareness.
7. The party was filled with Philistines discussing reality TV.
8. Her Philistine views on architecture were disappointing.
9. He cringed at the Philistine's disdain for fine dining.
10. The Philistine's ignorance of history was astounding.
11. She couldn't stand the Philistine's taste in literature.
12. The Philistine's lack of curiosity was truly regrettable.
13. The townspeople considered the newcomers to be Philistines, lacking any sense of culture or refinement.
14. The critic dismissed the exhibition as being fit only for Philistines, lacking in any real artistic merit.
15. He was a Philistine, unappreciative of the fine arts and unable to recognize true talent.
16. The young woman's taste in music was that of a Philistine, favoring only popular and commercial hits.
17. His Philistine attitude towards literature was evident in his dismissal of classic novels as old-fashioned and boring.
18. She was deemed a Philistine by her peers, uninterested in politics and current events.
19. The movie was panned by critics as being shallow and appeals only to Philistines.
20. The businessman's approach to art was that of a Philistine, seeing it only as a means to financial gain.
21. The CEO's lack of understanding of design was seen as Philistine and hindered the company's branding efforts.
22. They often accused each other of being Philistines, unable to appreciate the finer things in life.
23. Being labeled as a Philistine was considered a great insult among the group of intellectual and cultured friends.
24. The party guests were mostly Philistines, more interested in drinking than contributing to intellectual conversation.