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ritualism

ritualism

8.2
Giving too much importance to ceremonies and formal actions in worship
  • noun
  • /ˈrɪtʃuəlɪzəm/
translation icon : ritualismo
  • I had always been taught that other Christian churches had gone astray mostly by being steeped in ritualism rather than the simple and straightforward teachings of Jesus Christ.

Examples

  • Military members favored this style for its ritualism and daily repetition, often involving candles, flowers, and incense.

    Blog text (31)
  • Nak also challenged the worth of idol worship and mechanical ritualism in the pursuit of Enlightenment, building a new path wholly distinct from Hinduism.

    Blog text (1)
  • In some cultures, ritualism is so prominent that every life event is marked by specific formal procedures.

  • The community's ritualism was evident during the festival, where elaborate ceremonies were held to honor their traditions.

  • Critics argue that ritualism in worship can overshadow the true message of faith and spirituality.

Synonyms

formalism
vsritualism
1 9.0

Strictly following rules and forms without room for change

is narrower, focusing on excessive ritual and procedural emphasis especially in worship
orthopraxy
vsritualism
  • Formal
1 9.9

To follow correct religious or traditional rituals and customs

emphasizes an excessive or undue focus on ritual form rather than mere practice
sacramentalism
vsritualism
9.9

Giving too much importance to religious rituals like baptism and communion instead of personal faith

stresses excessive focus on rituals and formal procedures more broadly
ecclesiasticism
vsritualism
  • Formal
9.9

Giving too much importance to church rituals and leaders

is about excessive ritual emphasis in worship generally, not only church settings
ceremonialism
vsritualism
  • Formal
8.6

Giving great importance to formal public events and rituals

is similar but covers ritual and procedural emphasis beyond ceremonies
orthopraxis
vsritualism
  • Formal
9.9

Belief that correct actions and rituals matter more than correct beliefs, often in religion

is about excessive attention to rituals themselves rather than belief priority

How Formal

rite
  • Formal
124 6.3
ritualism
8.2
ritual
118 4.4
habit
630 1.0

Surface Forms

ritualism singular
ritualisms plural

Morphology

ritualism = ritual (semi-transparent) = ritual + ism

Built from 'ritual' + '-ism', but the evaluative sense 'excessive emphasis on rituals' is a usage-driven nuance that may not be fully predictable for all learners.

Etymology

Ritualism comes from ritual, which goes back to Latin ritus meaning 'rite' or 'ceremony', and the ending -ism meaning 'a practice' or 'belief'. So ritualism also means giving too much attention to set ceremonies and formal rules, especially in religious worship.