Definition

1. Noun:
   • Adherence to some extreme traditional theological concept or interpretation: The strict, often rigid, following of a particular mystical or esoteric religious doctrine.
   • The doctrines of the Kabbalah: Specifically, the body of mystical Jewish teachings and interpretations of the Hebrew scriptures.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His approach to scripture was marked by a profound cabalism, rejecting all modern interpretations.
  • The scholar dedicated his life to studying the ancient cabalism of the Kabbalistic texts.

Advanced Usage

• "A form of cabalism": Used to describe a system of thought or belief characterized by secretive, mystical, or overly complex interpretations.
  • The group's rituals were dismissed by outsiders as a form of cabalism.

Variants and Related Words

• Cabala / Kabbala / Kabbalah (n): The Jewish mystical tradition which is the source of cabalistic doctrines.
  • He studied the Kabbalah for years.
• Cabalist (n): A person who studies or is an expert in the Kabbalah or mystical doctrines.
  • The medieval cabalist wrote extensively on the subject.
• Cabalistic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of the Kabbalah or mystical interpretation.
  • The text contained cabalistic symbols.

Synonyms

• Mysticism: Belief in the spiritual apprehension of truths beyond the intellect.
• Esotericism: The quality of being intended for or understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge.
• Occultism: The study of or belief in supernatural powers.

Related Phrases

• "A cabalistic interpretation": An explanation derived from or resembling the mystical methods of the Kabbalah.
  • He offered a cabalistic interpretation of the ancient prophecy.

Related Idioms

• "Veiled in cabalism": Describes something obscured by complex, secretive, or mystical doctrine.
  • The true meaning of the text was veiled in cabalism.

Noun

1. adherence to some extreme traditional theological concept or interpretation
2. the doctrines of the Kabbalah