Word
fundamentalist
Phoneticsfun·da·men·tal·ist, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌfəndəˈmɛnəɫɪst/
UK/fˌʌndəmˈɛntəlˌɪst/
Countable noun
Definition
n. someone who follows the basic rules of their religion or beliefs very strictly. They usually believe that their holy books are completely true and should not be changed.
n. an adherent of a movement or point of view characterized by a return to fundamental principles and rigid adherence to basic tenets. Often carries a pejorative connotation when used by outsiders to describe religious or political extremism.
Examples
“The fundamentalist refused to accept any changes to the ancient laws.”
“Sociologists studied how the fundamentalist group maintained its strict social boundaries in a rapidly modernizing city.”
Examples
simple
“The fundamentalist refused to accept any changes to the ancient laws.”
contextual
“Sociologists studied how the fundamentalist group maintained its strict social boundaries in a rapidly modernizing city.”
Usage
Often functions as a modifier before another noun (e.g., 'fundamentalist views').
Real-World Examples
“He argues that by their nature, fundamentalists (Christian or Islamist) are particularly vulnerable to exposure, discrediting, and blackmail because of their rigid stated views on sex.” “In the book, Klein and Taylor introduce us to the religious fundamentalists, Christian Zionists and Christian Nationalists in the US, readying themselves for the second coming.” Etymology
From fundamental + -ist, after a book series called “The Fundamentals: A Testimony to the Truth“ (1910).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- 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/fundamentalist