Word
manichaean
Phoneticsmanichaean
/ˌmænɪˈkiən/
Definition
adj. describing a way of thinking where everything is either completely good or completely evil, with no middle ground. It comes from an old religion that saw the world as a constant struggle between light and darkness.
adj. relating to a dualistic philosophy that views the world as a binary struggle between absolute good and absolute evil. Often describes a simplistic worldview that ignores nuance or complexity.
Examples
“The politician's speech presented a Manichaean view of the world.”
“Critics argued that the film's Manichaean plot made the characters feel like flat symbols of virtue and vice rather than real people.”
“The conflict was framed in Manichaean terms, leaving no room for diplomatic compromise or the recognition of shared historical grievances.”
Examples
simple
“The politician's speech presented a Manichaean view of the world.”
contextual
“Critics argued that the film's Manichaean plot made the characters feel like flat symbols of virtue and vice rather than real people.”
complex
“The conflict was framed in Manichaean terms, leaving no room for diplomatic compromise or the recognition of shared historical grievances.”
Usage
When used as a general adjective, it is often capitalised but may appear in lowercase; it typically precedes the noun it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“In the minds of the authoritarian wolves, history is a Manichaean struggle.” “Its rich symbolism, delving into the Manichaean conflict between light and darkness, still feels like a work that is evolving.” “I question her absolutism, her Manichaean view of the world, but I admire her courage.” “Revolution and civil war brought the Bolsheviks to power, men who were determined to wipe out anybody who might conceivably oppose them and their Manichaean ideology.” Etymology
From Manichaeus + -an.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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