puritanically

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Word: Puritanically

Part of Speech: Adverb

Definition: When someone acts "puritanically," they behave in a very strict and moral way, often avoiding anything that seems inappropriate or related to pleasure. The term comes from the Puritans, a group of people in the 16th and 17th centuries known for their strict religious beliefs and lifestyle.

Explanation:

Imagine someone who feels uncomfortable with anything that seems fun or exciting, like going to a party or talking about love. If they avoid these things and act very serious or overly careful about what is acceptable, you could say they are acting puritanically.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "puritanically" to describe actions or behaviors that are overly strict or moralistic.
• It is often used in a critical or negative way, implying that the person is being too severe or lacking in enjoyment.

Example Sentence:

• "She dresses puritanically, always choosing long skirts and high-necked blouses, avoiding anything that might be considered revealing."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, you might encounter "puritanically" in discussions about cultural or social norms, particularly when comparing different lifestyles or beliefs. For example: - "The community's puritanically enforced rules limited the freedom of expression among its members."

Word Variants:

• Puritan (noun): A person who practices strict religious or moral beliefs.
• Puritanism (noun): The beliefs and practices of the Puritans; often refers to a strict moral code.
• Puritanical (adjective): Describing someone or something that is very strict in moral or religious matters.

Different Meanings:

While "puritanically" primarily refers to strict moral behavior, it can also imply a lack of enjoyment or pleasure in life because of these strict beliefs.

Synonyms:

• Prudishly
• Morally
• Strictly
• Ascetically
• Chastely

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "puritanically," but you might encounter phrases that express similar ideas, such as: - "Goody two-shoes" (someone who is very virtuous or morally uptight). - "By the book" (following rules very strictly).

Academic

Adverb

1. in a prudish manner
   • she acts prudishly, but I wonder whether she is really all that chaste

Synonyms

• prudishly