Dictionary.com

particularism

[ per-tik-yuh-luh-riz-uhm, puh-tik- ]
/ pərˈtɪk yə ləˌrɪz əm, pəˈtɪk- /
Save This Word!

noun
exclusive attention or devotion to one's own particular interests, party, etc.
the principle of leaving each state of a federation free to retain its laws and promote its interests.
Theology. the doctrine that divine grace is provided only for the elect.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of particularism

From the French word particularisme, dating back to 1815–25. See particular, -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM particularism

par·tic·u·lar·ist, nounpar·tic·u·lar·is·tic, adjectivepar·tic·u·lar·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use particularism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for particularism

particularism
/ (pəˈtɪkjʊləˌrɪzəm) /

noun
exclusive attachment to the interests of one group, class, sect, etc, esp at the expense of the community as a whole
the principle of permitting each state or minority in a federation the right to further its own interests or retain its own laws, traditions, etc
theol the doctrine that divine grace is restricted to the elect

Derived forms of particularism

particularist, noun, adjectiveparticularistic, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK