grammatolatry

9.9

An extreme respect for language rules and exact words

noun
/ˌɡræməˈtɑːlətri/

Jargon

: gramatolatría

Some critics have accused certain language purists of grammatolatry, placing form above meaning.

Examples

Many scholars criticize grammatolatry as a barrier to effective communication.
The author's grammatolatry was evident in her meticulous attention to word choice and phrasing.
His devotion to precise grammar and vocabulary bordered on grammatolatry.
His grammatolatry often leads to misunderstandings in conversations.
Some critics have accused certain language purists of grammatolatry, placing form above meaning.
The author's grammatolatry was evident in her meticulous attention to word choice and phrasing.
His devotion to precise grammar and vocabulary bordered on grammatolatry.

Synonyms

verbolatry

vsgrammatolatry

Archaic

9.9

A strong love of words and fancy language that ignores meaning

focuses more on worship of language as a whole rather than only expression

word-worship

vsgrammatolatry

Literature

9.9

Giving too much value to how something is said instead of what it means

emphasizes worship of language itself rather than simply relying on wording

How Reverent

grammatolatry

Jargon

9.9

admiration

2 2.5

Surface Forms

grammatolatry singular

grammatolatries plural

Morphology

grammatolatry = grammar (semi-transparent) = grammat + latry

Meaning 'worship of grammar' is directly compositional, but the rare Greek-derived suffix '-latry' is not familiar to average learners.

Etymology

The word grammatolatry comes from grammar and the ending -latry. Grammar is about the 'rules of language' and -latry means 'worship', as in the familiar word idolatry. So, grammatolatry means treating words or grammar like things to be worshipped, which is why it describes a too-strong focus on form instead of meaning.