Word
relativism
Phoneticsrel·a·tivism
US/ˈɹɛɫətɪˌvɪzəm/
UK/ɹɪlˈætɪvˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the idea that there is no single truth that applies to everyone. Instead, what is considered right, wrong, or true depends on a person's culture, history, or situation.
n. the philosophical doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute. Often contrasted with objectivism or universalism.
Examples
“Cultural relativism suggests we should respect different traditions without judging them.”
“The professor argued that moral relativism makes it difficult to establish a universal code of human rights.”
“Critics of postmodern thought often argue that extreme relativism undermines the very possibility of objective scientific inquiry by reducing all claims to mere matters of perspective.”
Examples
simple
“Cultural relativism suggests we should respect different traditions without judging them.”
contextual
“The professor argued that moral relativism makes it difficult to establish a universal code of human rights.”
complex
“Critics of postmodern thought often argue that extreme relativism undermines the very possibility of objective scientific inquiry by reducing all claims to mere matters of perspective.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “relativism” in context.
Verb
01. advocate relativism
“The essay advocates relativism as a solution to cross-cultural conflict.”
verb + noun
02. embrace relativism
“Many modern thinkers embrace relativism to promote global tolerance.”
verb + noun
03. reject relativism
“Religious leaders often reject relativism in favor of objective divine law.”
verb + noun
04. relativism challenges
“Relativism challenges the notion that Western values are universally applicable.”
noun + verb
05. relativism prevails
“In postmodern discourse, relativism prevails over traditional dogmatism.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. absolute relativism
“The philosopher rejected absolute relativism, claiming some truths are universal.”
adj + noun
07. cultural relativism
“Cultural relativism suggests that no culture's ethics are superior to another's.”
adj + noun
08. historical relativism
“Historical relativism views past events through the lens of their specific era.”
adj + noun
09. moral relativism
“Critics argue that moral relativism leads to a lack of social accountability.”
adj + noun
Noun
10. critique of relativism
“Her latest book offers a scathing critique of relativism in contemporary art.”
noun + prep + noun
11. a form of relativism
“Subjectivism is essentially a form of relativism applied to the individual.”
12. lapse into moral relativism
“Without clear guidelines, the committee may lapse into moral relativism.”
Usage
Frequently paired with qualifying adjectives such as 'cultural', 'moral', or 'historical'.
Real-World Examples
“The privatization of moral, religious, and philosophical views in liberal democracies and the cultural relativism that often underlies Western multicultural agendas are a much greater obstacle to a culture of debate than religion.” “When Reuters opted to exercise caution in using the term "terrorism," citing that one person's terrorist is another's freedom fighter, Martin Kaplan, associate dean at Annenberg for Communication the University Southern California, criticized it as another example of cultural relativism.” “If you ask me what the biggest problem in America is, I’m not going to tell you debt, deficits, statistics, economics—I’ll tell you it’s moral relativism.” “During his address to the Catholic bishops of the nation, the German-born pontiff emphasized that the U.S. Church must remain vigilant against relativism, even though faith holds a more significant presence in American public life compared to the more secular Europe.” Etymology
From relative + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
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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