word-worship

9.9

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

noun
/wɜrd ˈwɜrʃɪp/

Literature

: adoración de las palabras

Her essay suffered from word-worship, focusing more on impressive language than genuine ideas.

Examples

The philosopher warned against word-worship and urged his students to seek substance over style.
Many critics argue that modern academia is plagued by word-worship rather than meaningful engagement.
Don't fall into the trap of word-worship!
His word-worship often clouds his judgment.
Her essay suffered from word-worship, focusing more on impressive language than genuine ideas.
Many critics argue that modern academia is plagued by word-worship rather than meaningful engagement.
The philosopher warned against word-worship and urged his students to seek substance over style.

Synonyms

verbolatry

vsword-worship

Archaic

9.9

A strong love of words and fancy language that ignores meaning

relies on verbal form rather than on real meaning or substance

grammatolatry

vsword-worship

Jargon

9.9

An extreme respect for language rules and exact words

prioritizes verbal form over real meaning or substance

Antonyms

pragmatism

14 5.6

A practical way of solving problems that focuses on what works

How Reverent

verbolatry

Archaic

9.9

word-worship

Literature

9.9

Surface Forms

word-worship singular

word-worships plural

Morphology

word-worship = word + worship (transparent) = word + worship

The compound directly denotes reverence ('worship') directed at 'words', a meaning learners can derive from the components.

Etymology

The word word-worship combines word and worship, where worship means 'deep respect' or 'honor'. That's why word-worship paints the picture of giving words too much value and ignoring real meaning.