1. relating to the interpretation or explanation of texts, especially sacred or literary works
Usage: formal; academic
2. relating to hermeneutics, the theory and practice of interpretation
Usage: formal; academic; philosophy

Examples

• The professor used a hermeneutical approach to analyze the biblical passage.
• Hermeneutical methods help scholars understand the original intent of ancient texts.
• Literary critics employ hermeneutical frameworks to interpret complex novels.
• The hermeneutical tradition in philosophy examines how we understand meaning.
• Her hermeneutical analysis revealed new layers of meaning in the poem.
• Hermeneutical principles guide the interpretation of legal documents.