externalism

[ ik-stur-nl-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. attention to externals, especially excessive attention to externals, as in religion.

externalism

/ ɪkˈstɜːnəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. exaggerated emphasis on outward form, esp in religious worship
2. a philosophical doctrine holding that only objects that can be perceived by the senses are real; phenomenalism

Derived Forms

• exˈternalist, noun

Other Words From

• ex·ternal·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of externalism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; external + -ism

Example Sentences

The fallacy of the Socialist program is not in its radicalism, but in its externalism.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of these are good enough, but they nearly all culminate in an ambitious externalism.

From Project Gutenberg

They tore off the accumulated husks of externalism, but kept intact the real kernel of religion.

From Project Gutenberg

"O foolish Galatians," he seems still to be saying, What is it that charms you so much in all this ritual and externalism?

From Project Gutenberg

He opposes the law of Pharisaic externalism in the interests of the law of Christian love.

From Project Gutenberg