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

“The nomothetic approach takes precedence, while the detailed study of an individual patient is marginalized as trivia.”

Read more on New York Times

But Berlin noted that knowledge can be nomothetic or idiographic.

Read more on Scientific American

Related Words

• congressional 
• parliamentary 
• senatorial