Manichean

or Man·i·chae·an

[ man-i-kee-uhn ]

noun

1. Also Man·i·chee [] an adherent of the dualistic religious system of Manes, a combination of Gnostic Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and various other elements, with a basic doctrine of a conflict between light and dark, matter being regarded as dark and evil.

adjective

1. of or relating to the Manicheans or their doctrines.

Other Words From

• Mani·chean·ism Mani·cheism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Manichean¹

1300–50; Middle English Maniche (< Late Latin Manichaeus < Late Greek Manichaîos of Manes) + -an

Example Sentences

Nor, indeed, should it be reduced into Manichean lenses—blaming property developers and the civil service for creating the crisis.

From Time

Now that same Manichean worldview has led the neocons to support an Afghan surge.

From The Daily Beast

Under the reign of Robert in 1007 several heretics were burned at Orleans for tenets which are represented as Manichean.

From Project Gutenberg

This distinction is thoroughly Manichean, and leaves no doubt as to the origin of the Albigenses.

From Project Gutenberg

We owe much (notwithstanding their partial and Manichean idea of beauty) to the early ascetic painters.

From Project Gutenberg

In this last particular, the tendency of the Fourieristic morality is quite Manichean.

From Project Gutenberg

The dualist idea and a complete rejection of the Old Testament were leading Manichean doctrines.

From Project Gutenberg