Purist: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who insists on adherence to traditional rules or structures, often in arts or language. It can sometimes imply a strong or uncompromising stance.

• As a purist, she refused to listen to any modern renditions of classical music.
• He was a purist when it came to grammar, always correcting others' mistakes.

Describes someone who values long-established customs and traditions, typically used in cultural, religious, or societal contexts. It suggests a preference for the old ways rather than new innovations.

• As a traditionalist, he preferred celebrating holidays in the old-fashioned way.
• She was a traditionalist in her cooking, using only family recipes passed down through generations.

Applied to someone who prefers to maintain existing traditions or values, especially in politics or social norms. It doesn't necessarily mean being resistant to all change but indicates a careful approach.

• Her conservative views on education meant she was skeptical of new teaching methods.
• He took a conservative approach to investing, avoiding high-risk stocks.

Refers to someone who is insistent on strict adherence to rules or standards. Often implies a sense of persistence and can carry a slightly negative connotation of being overly fussy.

• She was a stickler for punctuality, never tolerant of lateness.
• He's a stickler when it comes to table manners.

Purist is applicable in general situations where someone adheres strictly to traditional methods or standards in any field, not limited to language.

• He is such a purist when it comes to classical music performances.
• She considers herself a purist and refuses any form of digital art involvement.

Language conservative fits scenarios involving someone who resists changes in language, preferring established linguistic norms. This term often applies in academic or cultural contexts where the preservation of language purity is emphasized.

• As a language conservative, he opposes the inclusion of modern slang in dictionaries.
• Language conservatives often debate the impact of loanwords on their native tongue.

Linguistic traditionalist is appropriate when referring to someone who prefers to maintain and use the traditional forms and rules of language. This term highlights their focus on the linguistic aspect specifically.

• Linguistic traditionalists argue that grammar rules should remain unchanged.
• Growing up with a linguistic traditionalist, she learned to value precise language use.

Someone who insists on strict adherence to traditional rules or structures, often in matters of language, arts, or cultural practices.

• She is a purist when it comes to speaking the old dialect of her hometown

Someone who strongly advocates for a particular set of ideas or ideology, often in politics or social movements.

• The senator was regarded as an ideologue, championing his party's platform without compromise

A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals. Often has a negative connotation due to their excessive enthusiasm.

• He was considered a zealot, never hesitating to impose his views on everyone he met

A person who lays down principles as undeniably true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others; usually in religion or philosophy. Often has a negative connotation.

• As a dogmatist, he refused to even consider any evidence that contradicted his beliefs