noumenon

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun the intellectual conception of a thing as it is in itself, not as it is known through perception

From German Noumenon, from Ancient Greek νοούμενον (nooúmenon, “thing that is known”), passive present participle of νοέω (noéō, “I know”).

Hurrah (therefore) for the noumenon! — The Devil's Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce
But things were intelligible substances (substantiae noumena). — The Critique of Pure Reason, Immanuel Kant
The garden held a small temple consecrated to the Noumenon beyond phenomena. — Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda

thing-in-itself

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