Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or characteristic of fundamentalism: Describes something that is connected to, or exhibits the qualities of, a strict adherence to basic or fundamental principles, especially in a religious context.
   • Tending toward fundamentalism: Describes a perspective, group, or ideology that shows a movement or inclination toward fundamentalist beliefs.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The group's fundamentalistic interpretation of the text left no room for modern perspectives.
  • His views became increasingly fundamentalistic over time.
  • The scholar analyzed the fundamentalistic movements in the 20th century.

Advanced Usage

• As a descriptive term in sociology/religious studies: Used to analyze or describe groups, ideologies, or interpretations that emphasize a return to foundational tenets and often reject modernism.
  • The research paper contrasted liberal theological approaches with fundamentalistic ones.

Variants and Related Words

• Fundamentalism (n): The strict adherence to basic principles or doctrines, often religious.
  • Religious fundamentalism often involves a literal interpretation of sacred texts.
• Fundamentalist (n/adj): (As a noun) A person who believes in fundamentalism. (As an adjective) Characteristic of a fundamentalist.
  • The fundamentalist preacher advocated for a return to traditional practices.
• Fundamental (adj): Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
  • Respect is a fundamental rule in this community.

Synonyms

• Orthodox: Conforming to established doctrine, especially in religion.
• Doctrinaire: Seeking to impose a doctrine in all its purity without compromise.

Antonyms

• Liberal: Open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values.
• Modernist: Relating to or characterized by modern ideas or styles.
• Secular: Denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or tending toward fundamentalism