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
He made enemies along the way, cracking down on the traditional Latin Mass, which had become associated with dissident traditionalism.
From Slate • Oct. 2, 2025
He was also striving to break away from the box of traditionalism and open up the floor to more unique expressions, and I didn’t know that, of course, as a kid.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2024
The 16th-century town of San Martín, where the park has its offices, is home to a singular cattle-centric culture, and to a staunch traditionalism.
From New York Times • Jan. 16, 2024
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.
