Definition

1. Noun:
   • A philosophical doctrine: The belief that all knowledge originates from divine revelation and is preserved through established traditions.
   • Adherence to tradition: A strong attachment to traditional practices, especially in cultural or religious contexts.
   • Strict adherence to traditional methods: The practice of following established customs or teachings very closely, often resisting change or innovation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The traditionalism of the community was evident in its annual festivals. (The community's strong attachment to tradition was clear in its yearly celebrations.)
  • His traditionalism in teaching methods clashed with the school's new technological approach. (His strict adherence to old teaching methods conflicted with the school's modern strategy.)
  • The scholar studied religious traditionalism in the 19th century. (The academic researched the doctrine of adhering to religious traditions during that period.)

Advanced Usage

• As a sociological concept: Used to describe a conservative force in society that values historical continuity.
  • The traditionalism of the institution made reform difficult. (The institution's deep-rooted respect for old ways made change hard to achieve.)
• In art and culture: Refers to a style or movement that draws heavily on past forms and rejects avant-garde trends.
  • The architect's work was noted for its traditionalism, favoring classical designs. (The architect's buildings were known for their use of historical styles.)

Variants and Related Words

• Traditionalist (noun): A person who supports or practices traditionalism.
  • He was a traditionalist who valued old customs.
• Traditionalistic (adjective): Characterized by or advocating traditionalism.
  • The society had a traditionalistic worldview.

Synonyms

• Conservatism: Commitment to traditional values and ideas, often with opposition to change.
• Orthodoxy: Authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice.
• Conventionalism: Adherence to conventional principles or practices.

Antonyms

• Modernism: A style or movement in the arts that aims to break with classical and traditional forms.
• Innovation: The action or process of introducing new methods, ideas, or products.
• Progressivism: Support for or advocacy of social reform and new, liberal ideas.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To be a bastion of traditionalism: To be a stronghold or center of traditional values.
  • The university was often seen as a bastion of traditionalism. (The university was frequently viewed as a strong defender of traditional ways.)
• A clash between traditionalism and modernism: A conflict between old, established ways and new, contemporary ideas.
  • The debate represented a classic clash between traditionalism and modernism. (The argument was a typical conflict between old values and new ones.)

Noun

1. the doctrine that all knowledge was originally derived by divine revelation and that it is transmitted by traditions
2. adherence to tradition (especially in cultural or religious matters)
3. strict adherence to traditional methods or teachings