mumpsimus Definition
- 1adherence to or persistence in an erroneous use of language, memorization, practice, belief, etc., out of habit or obstinacy
- 2a person who persists in a mistaken expression or practice
Using mumpsimus: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mumpsimus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He continued to use the outdated software out of mumpsimus.
Example
The teacher's mumpsimus prevented him from adopting new teaching methods.
Example
She was a mumpsimus when it came to her political beliefs.
mumpsimus Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for mumpsimus
Antonyms for mumpsimus
- flexibility
- open-mindedness
Phrases with mumpsimus
mumpsimus and sumpsimus
an allusion to the story of the illiterate priest who persisted in using 'mumpsimus' instead of 'sumpsimus'
Example
The debate between mumpsimus and sumpsimus continues among scholars.
Example
He was a mumpsimus when it came to his diet, refusing to try any new foods.
to correct someone who persists in a mistaken belief or practice out of habit or obstinacy
Example
It took a lot of effort to correct his mumpsimus about the origins of the phrase.
Origins of mumpsimus
from a story of an illiterate priest who said 'mumpsimus' instead of 'sumpsimus' during mass and refused to correct himself
Summary: mumpsimus in Brief
'Mumpsimus' [muhmp-suh-muhs] refers to adherence to or persistence in an erroneous use of language, memorization, practice, belief, etc., out of habit or obstinacy. It can also refer to a person who persists in a mistaken expression or practice. The term comes from a story of an illiterate priest who said 'mumpsimus' instead of 'sumpsimus' during mass and refused to correct himself. Examples of usage include 'He continued to use the outdated software out of mumpsimus.' and 'She was a mumpsimus when it came to her political beliefs.'