Part of Speech

Noun (plural: analects)

Pronunciation

/ˈanəˌlekts/

Definitions

• A collection of selected writings, especially from a single author or a specific subject, often of a scholarly or philosophical nature.
• Excerpts or fragments from literary or philosophical works, typically considered important or insightful.

Usage Examples

• The philosopher's *analects* have been studied for centuries for their insights into human nature.
• Her *analects* include key quotes from the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.

Etymology

From Latin *analecta*, meaning "things collected" (from Greek *ἀναλέκτης* meaning "to gather, collect"). The term originally referred to collected works of literature or philosophy.

Synonyms

• Excerpts
• Selections
• Compilations
• Anthologies

Antonyms

• Original work
• Uncollected text

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the pronunciation is often more clipped: /ˈanəˌlekts/.
• In American English, the pronunciation may have a slightly softer 'a' sound, /ˈanəˌlekts/.

Historical Usage

The term "analects" was used to describe collected writings of notable scholars, philosophers, or thinkers, and has been in use since the early 17th century. Its most famous usage is in reference to "The Analects of Confucius," a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. The concept of an "analect" has since extended to any important collection of writings or excerpts from various sources.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the term "analects" holds particular weight, especially in scholarly and philosophical circles. For example, in Confucian tradition, *The Analects of Confucius* is not only a historical text but also a guide to moral conduct and governance. The word conveys a sense of reverence for collected wisdom and insights passed down through generations.

More Information

The term "analects" refers to collections of brief writings or quotations, typically of a scholarly, literary, or philosophical nature. Historically, it has been used to capture the wisdom of influential thinkers, with *The Analects of Confucius* being one of the most well-known examples. The word itself derives from the Greek and Latin terms for "collected" or "gathered," and is often used to describe excerpts chosen for their significance or wisdom. While its use is most prominent in academic contexts, the idea of "analects" has extended to include any collection of influential or important ideas gathered for study or reference.