ritualism

[ rich-oo-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. adherence to or insistence on ritual.
2. the study of ritual practices or religious rites.
3. excessive fondness for ritual.

ritualism

/ ˈrɪtjʊəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. emphasis, esp exaggerated emphasis, on the importance of rites and ceremonies
2. the study of rites and ceremonies, esp magical or religious ones

Derived Forms

• ˈritualist, noun

Other Words From

• ritu·al·istic adjective
• ritu·al·isti·cal·ly adverb
• anti·ritu·al·ism noun
• anti·ritu·al·istic adjective
• hyper·ritu·al·ism noun
• hyper·ritu·a·listic adjective
• nonrit·u·al·istic adjective
• nonrit·u·al·isti·cal·ly adverb
• unrit·u·al·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ritualism¹

First recorded in 1835–45; ritual + -ism

Example Sentences

Like the Mosaic Law, under the sedulous care of the sacerdotal orders it ripened into a most burdensome ritualism.

From Project Gutenberg

As faith in the gods declined, ceremonies and pomps were multiplied, and the ice of ritualism accumulated on the banks of piety.

From Project Gutenberg

He rejected the superstitions of his country, and looked upon the ritualism of religion as a mere fashion.

From Project Gutenberg

In regard to the worship of God, Calvin was opposed to splendid churches, and to all ritualism.

From Project Gutenberg

But Yahwism, like Islam, had its sects and tendencies, and the opponents to the stricter ritualism always had followers.

From Project Gutenberg