Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Unwilling to accept authority or dogma (especially in religion): Describes a person, attitude, or belief system that is not strictly bound by traditional rules, doctrines, or authority, particularly in religious matters. It emphasizes broad-mindedness and freedom from rigid constraints.
   • Broad-minded and tolerant (especially in standards of religious belief and conduct): Characterized by a liberal, accepting, and flexible approach, especially regarding religious practices and moral codes.

2. Noun:

   • A person who is broad-minded and tolerant (especially in standards of religious belief and conduct): An individual who advocates for or practices latitude in thought and conduct, particularly in religious or philosophical contexts, opposing strict orthodoxy.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The latitudinarian bishop allowed for diverse interpretations of the scripture.
  • Her latitudinarian views on morality were considered radical in her conservative community.
• Noun:
  • As a latitudinarian, he welcomed dialogue with people of all faiths.
  • The debate pitted strict traditionalists against the latitudinarians in the church.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Religious Context: The term originated in 17th-century England, referring to Anglican clerics who opposed dogmatic precision and advocated for a broad, inclusive church. It is often used in theological or historical discussions.
  • The Latitudinarian movement within the Church of England emphasized reason and moral conduct over ritual.
• Extended Figurative Use: While primarily religious, it can be applied metaphorically to other areas requiring tolerance and flexibility.
  • The professor's latitudinarian approach to grading considered effort and improvement, not just test scores.

Variants and Related Words

• Latitudinarianism (n): The doctrine, system, or principles of a latitudinarian; broad-mindedness, especially in religion.
  • His philosophy was rooted in a deep-seated latitudinarianism.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Liberal, broad-minded, tolerant, undogmatic, permissive, free-thinking.
• Noun: Liberal, free thinker, broad church adherent.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Dogmatic, orthodox, authoritarian, rigid, strict, doctrinaire.
• Noun: Dogmatist, traditionalist, fundamentalist, orthodox believer.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To take a latitudinarian view/position: To adopt a broad, tolerant, and flexible stance on an issue.
  • On the question of dietary rules, the community leader took a distinctly latitudinarian view.

Adjective

1. unwilling to accept authority or dogma (especially in religion)

Noun

1. a person who is broad-minded and tolerant (especially in standards of religious belief and conduct)