Confucianism

American  

[kuhn-fyoo-shuh-niz-uhm] / kənˈfju ʃəˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. the system of ethics, education, and statesmanship taught by Confucius and his disciples, stressing love for humanity, ancestor worship, reverence for parents, and harmony in thought and conduct.

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Confucianism British  

/ kənˈfjuːʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the ethical system of Confucius, emphasizing moral order, the humanity and virtue of China's ancient rulers, and gentlemanly education

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Confucianism Cultural  

1. A system of ethics, founded on the teachings of Confucius, that influenced the traditional culture of China. Confucianism places a high value on learning and stresses family relationships.

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Other Word Forms

• Confucianist
  noun
• anti-Confucianism
  noun
• pro-Confucianism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Confucianism

First recorded in 1860–65; Confucian + -ism

Example Sentences

As these forms of faith came down to the present day, they tended to ignore the strain of religions that are mostly nonproselytizing—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto and tribal indigenous traditions.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Indonesia has six officially recognised religions -- Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2024

That novel, considered one of the greats of Chinese literature, draws heavily from Chinese mythology as well as Confucianism, Taoist and Buddhist folklore.

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2024

Preserving the body is considered an important aspect of filial piety within the context of Confucianism, and that precept encourages long hair, forbids suicide and is interpreted as prohibiting tattoos.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2023

Two movements, however, have to be noticed, which in different ways aimed at giving something richer and deeper than Confucianism, and to which China owes the two additional religions of Taoism and Buddhism.

From History of Religion A Sketch of Primitive Religious Beliefs and Practices, and of the Origin and Character of the Great Systems by Menzies, Allan