fanaticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fanaticism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal, often in a religious or political context. Example: "His fanaticism for the cause led him to ignore any opposing viewpoints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will not be defeated until our determination is as complete as theirs, our defence of freedom as absolute as their fanaticism, until our passion for the democratic way is as great as their passion for tyranny.

The Guardian

These groups are characterised by economic nativism, anti-immigration and protectionist leanings, religious fanaticism, and geopolitical isolationism.

The Guardian - Business

Brzezinski, of Polish origin, spoke of the dangers of resurgent, intolerant, nationalism in Europe, of the "chaos of religious fanaticism", of "restless and fragmented humanity".

The Guardian

Their combined market value plunged after IS seized the city of Mosul in June, but has recovered to $8.3 billion, down 29% from the start of the year a hefty fall, but not so bad for firms on the front line of fanaticism".We've gone from a place that was a bit tricky in terms of security to a full-on war," says the chief of one firm.

The Economist

It is about the choice between denial or denunciation in the face of evil, and the fine line between activism and fanaticism.

The Economist

For top athletes the same competitive drive which makes them great can tip into fanaticism.

The Economist

Even if the most catastrophic outcome a default on federal debt is avoided, the consequences of this fiscal insanity are likely to be bigger than many now expect, for two reasons.First, the fanaticism of some Republicans suggests that the stand-off may not end until it does serious harm.

The Economist

A communiqué from a Saudi jihadi group expresses the hope that George Bush will be re-elected because his "haste to use force, his lack of wisdom and religious fanaticism have roused the Islamic nation".The greatest damage to the jihadis' moral standing has been wrought not by the global offensive but by their own brutality.

The Economist

Two years ago KPMG, a global audit firm, named Nigeria as the most fraud-prone country in Africa.Boko Haram's motivations lie not so much in religious fanaticism as in protest against government neglect.

The Economist

Tribal animosities and jihadist fanaticism will keep violence simmering.

The Economist

On April 19th Nigel Farage, UKIP's leader, blamed the crisis on the "fanaticism" of Mr Cameron and his French counterpart, Nicholas Sarkozy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain objectivity, ensure that your writing provides context and avoids generalizations when using the term "fanaticism".

Common error

Avoid using "fanaticism" excessively in emotionally charged or biased contexts. Overuse can diminish the impact and credibility of your writing, making it seem subjective rather than analytical.

Linguistic Context

The word "fanaticism" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality of being fanatical or the behavior characteristic of a fanatic. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing excessive zealotry, particularly in religious or political contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fanaticism" is a noun used to describe extreme zeal or enthusiasm, often in a negative context. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in news, media, and academic settings to highlight the dangers of intolerance and extremism. According to Ludwig AI, the usage is grammatically correct and very common. While the term itself maintains a neutral register, its implications are usually critical, warning against the consequences of irrational devotion. For alternatives, consider terms like "zealotry" or "extremism" for similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

zealotry

Indicates excessive and often misguided zeal or enthusiasm.

extremism

Focuses on holding extreme political or religious views.

zeal

Emphasizes enthusiasm and diligence in pursuing a cause or objective.

dogmatism

Highlights the tendency to lay down principles as undeniably true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others.

intolerance

Refers to the unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own.

bigotry

Implies prejudice and discrimination towards those with different beliefs.

partisanship

Signifies strong allegiance to a particular party, cause, or person.

sectarianism

Denotes excessive devotion to a particular sect or group, especially in religion or politics.

chauvinism

Emphasizes exaggerated or aggressive patriotism or group loyalty.

jingoism

Stresses extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.

FAQs

How is "fanaticism" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "fanaticism" is used to describe excessive or extreme zeal in a particular belief, cause, or activity. For instance, "His "religious fanaticism" led him to make extreme decisions."

What are some words I can use instead of "fanaticism"?

Alternatives include "zealotry", "extremism", or "dogmatism" depending on the specific context. Each carries slightly different connotations.

Is "fanaticism" always used in a negative way?

Yes, "fanaticism" generally has negative connotations, implying an excessive and often irrational enthusiasm or zeal that can lead to harmful or destructive behaviors. It's related to "intolerance" and inflexibility.

What's the difference between "fanaticism" and "enthusiasm"?

"Enthusiasm" is a positive feeling of excitement and eagerness, while "fanaticism" suggests an extreme and often irrational level of zeal that can be harmful. The line between enthusiasm and fanaticism is crossed when beliefs become "dogmatic" and "intolerant".