quietism
Americannoun
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a form of religious mysticism taught by Molinos, a Spanish priest, in the latter part of the 17th century, requiring extinction of the will, withdrawal from worldly interests, and passive meditation on God and divine things; Molinism.
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some similar form of religious mysticism.
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mental or bodily repose or passivity.
noun
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a form of religious mysticism originating in Spain in the late 17th century, requiring withdrawal of the spirit from all human effort and complete passivity to God's will
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a state of passivity and calmness of mind towards external events
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of quietism
First recorded in 1680–90, quietism is from the Italian word quietismo originally, prayer in a state of quietude. See quiet, -ism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To their children, this position seems like unforgivable quietism and complacency.
From The New Yorker • Dec. 9, 2019
Yet what he evokes even more keeningly is a rage he finds almost welcome in a land known for its quietism and restraint.
From New York Times • Dec. 26, 2017
Dystopian movies like Snowpiercer risk doing more to inspire quietism than necessary action.
From Slate • Sep. 17, 2014
Ames represented a certain "quietism" that was little represented – indeed, it was paradoxical to have him as the narrator of a bestselling novel, as he would flinch from advertising his faith.
From The Guardian • May 18, 2012
The people responded by withdrawal into political quietism and/or private vices.
From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
