fundamentalism Definition
- 1a religious movement characterized by a strict belief in the literal interpretation of religious texts, especially within American Protestantism and Islam
- 2a strict adherence to the basic principles of any subject or discipline
Using fundamentalism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fundamentalism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Islamic fundamentalism has been on the rise in recent years.
Example
The church split over issues of fundamentalism versus modernism.
Example
His fundamentalism in economics led him to reject any government intervention in the market.
fundamentalism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for fundamentalism
- conservatism
- traditionalism
- dogmatism
- orthodoxy
Antonyms for fundamentalism
Phrases with fundamentalism
a movement within American Protestantism that emphasizes the literal interpretation of the Bible and the importance of personal salvation
Example
Many Christian fundamentalists believe in a literal interpretation of the creation story in Genesis.
the belief in the unrestricted free market as the best way to allocate resources and create wealth
Example
Market fundamentalism has been criticized for leading to economic inequality and instability.
the belief that science is the only valid way of understanding the world and that all other ways of knowing are invalid
Example
Scientific fundamentalism can lead to a rejection of spiritual or religious beliefs.
Origins of fundamentalism
from 'fundamental', meaning 'basic or essential'
Summary: fundamentalism in Brief
Fundamentalism [ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəlɪzəm] refers to a strict adherence to the basic principles of a religion, subject, or discipline. It can be seen in movements like Islamic fundamentalism and Christian fundamentalism, which emphasize literal interpretations of religious texts. 'Fundamentalism' can also refer to a belief in the unrestricted free market or the primacy of science. The term can have negative connotations, implying rigidity or extremism.