A philistine is generally defined as a person who is indifferent to or hostile toward cultural and artistic values. The term originates from the biblical Philistines, who were portrayed as uncultured. In contemporary usage, it often refers to individuals who lack appreciation for the arts, literature, and intellectual pursuits.
Philistine meaning with examples
- During the debate on funding the arts, one council member argued passionately for the expenditure, while another took an almost philistine view, dismissing artistic pursuits as unnecessary luxuries that could not justify the cost to taxpayers.
- Critics often label reality TV enthusiasts as Philistines, claiming that such preferences reveal a broader societal decline in taste and a lack of appreciation for truly enriching forms of entertainment and art.
- At the gallery opening, she was disheartened to overhear a group of guests dismissing the modern paintings as meaningless splashes of color, their philistine attitudes highlighting a troubling disconnect with the art community's deeper messages.
- His disdain for highbrow literature and preference for sensational tabloid stories led his friends to label him a philistine, unaware of the rich, philosophical texts that could expand his understanding and appreciation of the world.
Philistine Synonyms
an uncultured person anti-intellectual barbarian boor commoner crass person cultural philistine ignoramus insensitive lout lowbrow materialist neophyte nonconformist oaf populist pseudointellectual uncouth uncultured vulgarianPhilistine Antonyms
aesthete appreciative artisan artist connoisseur cultured discerning enlightened erudite humanist informed intellectual intellectualist knowledgeable refined refinement sage scholar sophisticated tastefulPhilistine Crossword Answers
4 Letters
BOOR
5 Letters
CRASS YAHOO
7 Letters
LOWBROW
10 Letters
UNCULTURED
16 Letters
ANTIINTELLECTUAL