How Do You Spell NIEBUHR?

Pronunciation: [nˈiːbuːə] (IPA)

The word "Niebuhr" might seem tricky to spell at first glance, but with some knowledge of phonetics, it's relatively straightforward. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), "Niebuhr" is transcribed as /ˈniːbʊr/. The first four letters are pronounced /ni:/, which is similar to the word "knee", followed by /bʊr/ which sounds like "bur" but with a slightly shortened vowel sound. This name is commonly associated with theologian Reinhold Niebuhr and his influential work in Christian ethics.

NIEBUHR Meaning and Definition

1. Niebuhr refers to Reinhold Niebuhr, an American theologian and public intellectual who lived from 1892 to 1971. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century, particularly in the fields of Christian ethics, political philosophy, and international relations.

   As a theologian, Niebuhr developed the concept of Christian realism, which emphasizes the limitations of human nature and the inevitability of self-interest in individual and collective actions. He argued that Christians should engage in the complexities of political and social life while being aware of the inherent moral ambiguities and contradictions.

   In the realm of political philosophy, Niebuhr's ideas shaped the thinking of many prominent figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. He highlighted the importance of analyzing power dynamics and advocated for a realistic assessment of the potential evils of both individuals and institutions. Niebuhr contended that social change is an arduous process that requires a combination of moral idealism and political realism.

   In international relations, Niebuhr's writings significantly impacted the field with his realistic approach to understanding the nature of power and the role of self-interest in shaping national and international policies. His work called into question notions of absolute moral principles in the political arena, arguing that practical compromises are often necessary to maintain stability and avoid greater harm.

   Overall, Niebuhr's ideas and writings continue to serve as a vital contribution to the fields of theology, political philosophy, and international relations. His concepts remain relevant in contemporary discussions on ethics, power, and the complexities of human interactions.

Common Misspellings for NIEBUHR

• nietehr
• neibuhr
• niebhor
• niebour
• niebor
• niebur
• niebuh
• nieburh
• fiebuhr
• Nieburr
• Niebher
• Ovebunr

Etymology of NIEBUHR

The surname "Niebuhr" is believed to have originated in Germany. It is derived from the Middle Low German word "nie" meaning "new" and "burger" meaning "citizen" or "inhabitant". Therefore, "Niebuhr" can be roughly translated as "new inhabitant" or "new citizen". This surname was likely given to individuals or families who were newcomers to a particular area or settlement. Over time, the name became associated with various families, and it is particularly known for the Danish-German Niebuhr family, which includes prominent figures like Barthold Georg Niebuhr (1776-1831), a renowned historian and statesman.

Similar spelling word for NIEBUHR

• niver.