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ritualism

ritualism

1 8.2
Giving too much importance to ceremonies and formal actions in worship
  • noun
  • /ˈrɪtʃuəlɪzəm/
: 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
1 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
1 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
1 8.6

Giving great importance to formal public events and rituals

is similar but covers ritual and procedural emphasis beyond ceremonies
orthopraxis
vsritualism
  • Formal
1 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
117 6.3
ritualism
1 8.2
ritual
112 4.4
habit
667 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.