apophatic

adjective

Meaning

Relating to a method of theology or philosophy that attempts to describe the divine or ultimate reality by negating all finite attributes.

Examples

  • The monk followed an apophatic path, believing that silence was the only appropriate response to the mystery of the divine.
  • Apophatic traditions often emphasize that human logic is insufficient to grasp the infinite nature of the creator.

Synonyms: negative, mystical, ineffable, transcendental