What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
essentialist
Example
The essentialist view of gender suggests that men and women have innate differences. [essentialist: adjective]
Example
Essentialism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of defining essential qualities. [essentialism: noun]
fundamentalist
Example
The fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible suggests that it should be taken literally. [fundamentalist: adjective]
Example
Fundamentalism is a religious or political movement that emphasizes the importance of traditional values. [fundamentalism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fundamentalist is a more commonly used term than essentialist, especially in the context of religion and politics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between essentialist and fundamentalist?
Both essentialist and fundamentalist are formal terms that are typically used in academic or intellectual contexts.