Fundamentalist - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A fundamentalist is someone who strictly adheres to the basic principles of a religion, ideology, or belief system, often rejecting modern interpretations or compromises. The term can imply inflexibility.
Definition:
A person who strictly adheres to basic principles or doctrines, often religious or ideological.
Synonyms:
extremist, orthodox, dogmatist, purist
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
moderate, liberal, progressive
Common Collocations:
religious fundamentalist, political fundamentalist, fundamentalist beliefs, fundamentalist group
Derivatives:
fundamentalism, fundamentalistic
Usage Tips:
Use "fundamentalist" to describe someone rigidly following core beliefs, often in religion or politics; avoid overgeneralizing to all strict adherents.
Common Phrases:
fundamentalist movement, Islamic fundamentalist, Christian fundamentalist
Etymology:
Derived from "fundamental," originating in early 20th-century Protestantism emphasizing literal biblical interpretation.
Examples:
- 1. The fundamentalist preacher insisted on a literal interpretation of scripture.
- 2. Some politicians accuse their opponents of being too fundamentalist in their views.
- 3. The group was labeled as fundamentalist due to its rigid doctrines.
- 4. She criticized the fundamentalist approach to education for lacking flexibility.