It's a word often used in literature and philosophy to describe:
* A character in a story: An omniscient narrator knows everything about the story, the characters, and the events. They can see into the minds of all characters, know their past, present, and future, and even comment on the story itself.
* A god or deity: In many religions, deities are often described as omniscient. They are believed to know everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen.
* An all-knowing being: The concept of an omniscient being is a philosophical one, often discussed in the context of metaphysics and theology. It raises questions about the nature of knowledge, the limits of human understanding, and the existence of a higher power.
Examples:
* Literature: In "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the narrator is omniscient. He knows the thoughts and feelings of all the characters, and he can even comment on the events of the story.
* Religion: In Christianity, God is often described as omniscient. He is believed to know everything, including the thoughts and actions of all people.
* Philosophy: The idea of an omniscient being is a central concept in many philosophical systems. For example, the philosopher Plato argued that the Forms, which are perfect and eternal ideas, are known by a divine being who is omniscient.
In a nutshell: "Omniscient" refers to the state of having infinite knowledge.