Definitions

1. noun

a person who lacks appreciation for or an understanding of the arts, culture, or intellectual pursuits

“The art exhibition was met with disdain by the philistines in the audience.”

2. noun

a person who is hostile or opposed to artistic or intellectual pursuits

“The local government’s decision to cut funding for the arts was met with criticism from the community of artists, who saw it as a display of philistinism.”

3. noun

a person who is uncultured or unrefined

“The tourist’s lack of knowledge about the local customs was seen as a sign of philistinism.”

4. adjective

lacking in appreciation for or understanding of the arts, culture, or intellectual pursuits

“The philistine attitude of the company’s CEO led to a decline in employee morale.”