Word
fundamentalism
Phoneticsfun·da·men·tal·ism
US/ˌfəndəˈmɛnəˌɫɪzəm/
UK/fˌʌndəmˈɛntəlˌɪzəm/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The rise of religious fundamentalism has changed the country's laws.”
“The political party's platform is based on economic fundamentalism, rejecting any government intervention in the free market.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“Go ahead and say it.”
Muslim and Arab candidates in the US have frequently been subjected to Islamophobic attacks on the campaign trail, accusing them of support for “terrorism” and Islamic fundamentalism.” “A recent report by the environmental group ETC described Aria as “bringing Silicon Valley’s free-market fundamentalism and its ‘move fast and break things’ ethos to disrupt the buttoned-up British science establishment”.” Etymology
From fundamental + -ism. First used in the 1910s by American Christians.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/fundamentalism