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Glite Dictionary
byzantinism

byzantinism

9.9
A system with complicated rules and many steps that make things hard to follow
  • noun
  • /bɪˈzæntɪnɪzəm/
  • Formal
translation icon : bizantinismo
  • The government's regulations have become an example of byzantinism, making it hard for businesses to comply with the rules.

Examples

  • Navigating the university's administrative processes felt like wading through byzantinism, due to the numerous forms and approvals required.

  • It is fundamental that no philosophy or science becomes exhausted in analysis of the language it uses, for this leads to a sterile intellectual Byzantinism.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Her report was criticized for its byzantinism, filled with jargon and convoluted explanations that confused the readers.

Synonyms

bureaucracy
vsbyzantinism
187 6.3

A system run by officials who are not elected with many rules that makes things slow

highlights excessive complexity and secretive procedural obstacles rather than mere organization
rigamarole
vsbyzantinism
  • Informal
1 9.9

A long, confusing set of steps that seems unnecessary

means a general pattern of excessive complexity and obstructive intrigue
Byzantine bureaucracy
vsbyzantinism
9.9

A very complex, slow system for a government or organization with too much paperwork

applies to complex systems in any area and often adds secretive intrigue
Byzantine rule
vsbyzantinism
9.8

Very complicated rules that are hard to follow or understand

refers to a wider style of complex practice and bureaucratic intrigue

Antonyms

clarity
152 3.0

How easy it is to understand what someone says or writes

simplicity
63 1.7

Being easy to understand and not complicated

How Complex

byzantinism
  • Formal
9.9
complexity
166 5.0
complication
99 4.1
simplicity
63 1.7

Surface Forms

byzantinism singular
byzantinisms plural

Morphology

byzantinism = Byzantine (transparent) = Byzantine + ism

The noun is a regular nominalization of the adjective 'Byzantine' with '-ism', indicating the quality, system, or doctrine characterized by Byzantine complexity, which is directly inferable.

Etymology

The word byzantinism comes from Byzantine, named after the old city Byzantium, whose court became known for secret plots and many complex rules, so byzantinism means a way of doing things that is needlessly complicated, full of bureaucracy and secret plotting.