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Main meanings of pronoia in English

: pronoia1pronoia2

pronoia1

Pronunciation /prəʊˈnɔɪə/

noun

  • 1Philosophy
    Foresight; providence, divine will.

  • 2historical In the Byzantine Empire: a type of land grant similar to a fief, entailing an obligation of service (typically military) by the recipient.

Origin

Late 19th century. From ancient Greek πρόνοια foresight, providence, in medieval Greek also denoting a type of land grant from πρόνοος (contracted πρόνους) careful, prudent (from προ- + νόος mind) + -ία.

Main meanings of pronoia in English

: pronoia1pronoia2

pronoia2

Pronunciation /prəʊˈnɔɪə/

noun

  • Belief (especially when viewed as irrational) in the good will of others or the pervasiveness of serendipity.

Origin

1980s. From pro- + -noia.