traditionalism
Americannoun
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adherence to tradition as authority, especially in matters of religion.
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a system of philosophy according to which all knowledge of religious truth is derived from divine revelation and received by traditional instruction.
noun
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the doctrine that all knowledge originates in divine revelation and is perpetuated by tradition
-
adherence to tradition, esp in religion
Other Word Forms
- antitraditionalist noun
- nontraditionalist noun
- nontraditionalistic adjective
- traditionalist noun
- traditionalistic adjective
Etymology
Origin of traditionalism
First recorded in 1855–60; traditional + -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.
The traditionalism, rigor and discipline of classical schools—the thick wall against peer and popular culture—appeals to many newcomers to the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026
These efforts to make women responsible for men’s bad acts are as old as Adam, Eve, and the apple, and are a perverse sort of marital traditionalism.
From Slate • Jun. 1, 2024
"It appears the Pope perceives Burke as fostering a cult of personality, centred around traditionalism or regressive ideals. This action seems aimed at limiting Burke's influence by severing his ties to Rome."
From BBC • Nov. 29, 2023
While she still plans to shirk the traditionalism of a wedding, she said she wants to get married “sooner rather than later.”
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2023
This list is particularly heavy on the Hebrew, with a noticeable trend toward Irish traditionalism.
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
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.
