sumpsimus

[ suhmp-suh-muhs ]

/ ˈsʌmp sə məs /

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noun, plural sump·si·mus·es for 2.

adherence to or persistence in using a strictly correct term, holding to a precise practice, etc., as a rejection of an erroneous but more common form (opposed to mumpsimus).

a person who is obstinate or zealous about such strict correctness (opposed to mumpsimus).

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?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of sumpsimus

First recorded in 1540–50; see origin at mumpsimus

Words nearby sumpsimus

Sumner, sumo, sump, sumph, sump pump, sumpsimus, sumpter, sumptuary, sumptuary law, sumptuous, Sumter

How to use sumpsimus in a sentence

We are not going to change our old 'mumpsimus' for anybody's new 'sumpsimus.'
Res Judicat|Augustine Birrell
Sumpsimus, sump′si-mus, n. a correct expression displacing an incorrect but common one (see Mumpsimus).
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements)|Various
On being remonstrated with, he retorted that “He would not leave his old mumpsimus for their new sumpsimus.”
Robin Tremayne|Emily Sarah Holt