Fundamentalism: meaning, definitions and examples

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fundamentalism

[ˌfʌndəˈmɛnt(ə)lɪz(ə)m ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious belief

Fundamentalism is a strict adherence to certain fundamental religious doctrines, often accompanied by a literal interpretation of sacred texts.

Synonyms

conservatism, orthodoxy, traditionalism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fundamentalism	Used when talking about strict adherence to basic principles, often in religion. It usually has a negative connotation, indicating rigidity. The fundamentalism in her views made any discussion difficult. Religious fundamentalism can sometimes lead to extreme actions.
orthodoxy	Describes adherence to accepted or traditional beliefs, especially in religion or politics. It can be neutral or negative, depending on context. She challenged the orthodoxy of the scientific community. Orthodoxy in religious practices is important for the community.
conservatism	Refers to the preference for traditional values and institutions, resistant to change. It is often used in political and social contexts. His conservatism makes him skeptical of progressive policies. There is growing support for conservatism in the rural areas.
traditionalism	Involves maintaining and valuing traditions and conventional practices, often seen in cultural or societal contexts. Her traditionalism is evident in the way she celebrates holidays. The festival is a display of pure traditionalism.

Examples of usage

His fundamentalism led him to reject modern scientific theories.
She was raised in a household that valued fundamentalism above all else.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

political belief

Fundamentalism can also refer to a strict adherence to basic political principles, often with a resistance to change or compromise.

Synonyms

dogmatism, extremism, rigidity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fundamentalism	Use this word when describing strict adherence to basic principles, often in religious or ideological contexts. It suggests a return to foundational beliefs. The group advocates for a return to religious fundamentalism, rejecting modern interpretations. His views on economics are shaped by a kind of fundamentalism that refuses to consider any new ideas.
extremism	This term is used to describe radical or extreme behavior and beliefs, often associated with politics or religion. It typically has a negative connotation. The rise of political extremism is a concern for the stability of the country. Extremism in any form can lead to dangerous ideologies and actions.
rigidity	Use this word when describing stiffness or lack of flexibility, which can apply to physical objects, rules, or attitudes. It can imply a negative sense of inflexibility. The rigidity of the new regulations makes it difficult for businesses to adapt. His mental rigidity prevents him from understanding the needs of others.
dogmatism	This word is appropriate when discussing rigid and inflexible belief in specific doctrines or opinions. Often, it is used in a negative context to criticize closed-mindedness. Her dogmatism prevents her from considering alternative viewpoints. The debate was stifled by his dogmatic insistence on a single correct answer.

Examples of usage

The party's fundamentalism made it difficult for them to reach bipartisan agreements.
His fundamentalism on the issue of taxation alienated many potential supporters.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'fundamentalism' emerged in the early 20th century, originally referring to a movement within American Protestantism.
It derives from the word 'fundamental,' which means the basic and most important part of something.
The first official use of the term was connected to a series of books called 'The Fundamentals' published between 1910 and 1915.

Historical Context

Fundamentalism gained traction during the 1920s in the United States in response to modernism and secularism.
The Scopes Trial in 1925 highlighted the conflict between fundamentalist beliefs and evolving scientific understandings, particularly regarding evolution.
It has also formed in various forms across different religions, including Islamic fundamentalism or Hindu nationalism.

Cultural Impact

Fundamentalism influences various forms of art, literature, and media, often leading to debates about freedom of expression.
It can lead to social movements, both politically conservative and progressive, depending on the context.
In some cultures, fundamentalist groups can shape policies, impacting education and legislation.

Psychological Perspective

Psychologists suggest that fundamentalist beliefs can provide individuals with a strong sense of identity and community.
Such beliefs may arise from a desire for certainty in an uncertain world, mitigating feelings of anxiety and confusion.
Research indicates that fundamentalism is sometimes associated with a cognitive style that favors black-and-white thinking.

Global Perspective

Fundamentalist movements exist worldwide, from Christianity in the Western world to various interpretations within Islam and Buddhism.
In many regions, fundamentalism can lead to conflicts, as differing belief systems clash over values and practices.
Globalization has intertwined with fundamentalist movements, sometimes leading to a resurgence in local traditional beliefs as a reaction to modern influences.

Translations

Translations of the word "fundamentalism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fundamentalismo

🇮🇳 मौलिकतावाद

🇩🇪 Fundamentalismus

🇮🇩 fundamentalisme

🇺🇦 фундаменталізм

🇵🇱 fundamentalizm

🇯🇵 原理主義 (げんりしゅぎ)

🇫🇷 fondamentalisme

🇪🇸 fundamentalismo

🇹🇷 fundamentalizm

🇰🇷 근본주의 (geunbonjuui)

🇸🇦 الأصولية (al-usuliyya)

🇨🇿 fundamentalismus

🇸🇰 fundamentalizmus

🇨🇳 原教旨主义 (yuán jiào zhǔ zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 fundamentalizem

🇮🇸 grundvallarhyggja

🇰🇿 фундаментализм

🇬🇪 ფუნდამენტალიზმი (p'undament'alizmi)

🇦🇿 fundamentalizm

🇲🇽 fundamentalismo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,553, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21550 maximise
21551 politico
21552 untidy
21553 fundamentalism
21554 abort
21555 nonstop
21556 basilica
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