ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fundamentalism

n.
C1 Advanced US //ˌfəndəˈmɛnəˌɫɪzəm// UK //fˌʌndəmˈɛntəlˌɪzəm// fun·da·men·tal·ism

n. a strict belief in the basic rules or principles of a group, especially a religious one. It often means following those rules in a very strict and traditional way.

n. a strict adherence to the basic principles of a religion, political ideology, or system. Often implies a literal interpretation of sacred texts or a rigid commitment to traditional practices.


SIMPLE

The rise of religious fundamentalism has changed the country's laws.

CONTEXTUAL

The political party's platform is based on economic fundamentalism, rejecting any government intervention in the free market.

COMPLEX

Scholars often debate whether the resurgence of religious fundamentalism is a reaction to modernization or a return to a perceived golden age of purity and tradition.

Origin

From fundamental + -ism. First used in the 1910s by American Christians.

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