nomothetic

[ nom-uh-thet-ik ]

adjective

1. giving or establishing laws; legislative.
2. founded upon or derived from law.
3. Psychology. pertaining to or involving the study or formulation of general or universal laws ( idiographic ).

nomothetic

/ ˌnɒməˈθɛtɪk /

adjective

1. giving or enacting laws; legislative
2. psychol of or relating to the search for general laws or traits, esp in personality theory Compare idiographic

Word History and Origins

Origin of nomothetic¹

From the Greek word nomothetikós, dating back to 1650–60. See nomo-, thetic

Word History and Origins

Origin of nomothetic¹

C17: from Greek nomothetikos, from nomothetēs lawgiver

Example Sentences

But while every natural science has its nomothetic side, it also has another half of a very different kind.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• congressional
• parliamentary
• senatorial