fundamentalism
fun-duh-MEN-tuh-liz-um
/ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəlɪzəm/
A form of a religion or ideology that upholds belief in the strict, literal interpretation of scripture or core doctrines.
Often arises as a reactive movement resisting modernity, secularism, or social change by returning to perceived origin points.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin fundamentum ('foundation'). The modern term was born between 1910 and 1915 when American conservative Protestants published twelve booklets called 'The Fundamentals: A Testimony to the Truth', defending literal scripture against modern scientific evolutionism.
Word relationships
- literalism: 'Literalism' is taking words in their exact sense; 'fundamentalism' is a organized movement built around literalist doctrines.
- dogmatism: 'Dogmatism' is unbending belief in rules; 'fundamentalism' is rooted specifically in foundational sacred texts.
- modernism: 'Modernism' reinterprets ancient texts and values in light of contemporary science and progress.
- liberalism: 'Liberalism' emphasizes individual liberty, adaptability, and open-ended interpretation.
Commonly confused with
- orthodoxy: 'Orthodoxy' is traditional accepted doctrine; 'fundamentalism' is a modern militant movement reasserting literal foundations.
Word family
- fundamentalist (noun): An adherent of fundamentalism.
- fundamental (adjective): Forming a necessary base or core.
Collocations
- religious fundamentalism
- market fundamentalism
- rise of fundamentalism
- rigid fundamentalism
Example sentences
- "Sociologists observe that religious fundamentalism frequently intensifies during periods of rapid cultural Westernization." Sociological Analysis
- "The term fundamentalism originated in early 20th-century America to describe Protestant tracts asserting literal biblical truth." Historical Origin
Memory hook
FUNDAMENT-alism: Digging down to the core foundation and refusing to budge. Strict literal foundations against social change.
When not to use
Avoid using as a generic insult for anyone deeply religious; it specifically denotes strict textual literalism and anti-modernist posture.
Fun facts
- Though born in American Protestantism, the term is now applied by political scientists across the globe to political and economic movements, like 'market fundamentalism'.
Related words
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