fundamentalism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamentalism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a strict adherence to specific theological doctrines or a rigid interpretation of beliefs, often in a religious context. Example: "The rise of fundamentalism in various religions has sparked debates about tolerance and coexistence in modern society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If Ukraine ends up with a mixture of ethnic fundamentalism and liberal capitalism, with oligarchs pulling the strings, it will be as European as Russia (or Hungary) is today.

The Guardian

It is the aggressive attempt to export liberal permissiveness that causes fundamentalism to fight back vehemently and assert itself.

The Guardian

He had also been critical of religious fundamentalism and of previous attacks on secular thinkers.

The Guardian

Who believes that we'd be appeasing the Saudis, who do more to foster Islamic fundamentalism than any other group in the world – if they didn't have oil?

The Guardian - Opinion

His new plays, Hurling Rubble at the Moon and Hurling Rubble at the Sun, which examine the parallels between extreme English nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism in a northern city, will premiere at the Park Theatre in London next month.

The Guardian

In a similar way, many liberal warriors are so eager to fight anti-democratic fundamentalism that they end up flinging away freedom and democracy if only they may fight terror.

The Guardian

A military attack would merely speed an arms race and force the country back towards fundamentalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

What Max Horkheimer said about capitalism and fascism in the 1930s applies in a different context today: those who don't want to criticise liberal democracy should also keep quiet about religious fundamentalism.

The Guardian

If the woman happens to be Muslim, fundamentalism and terrorism are often added to the narrative.

The Guardian

Khan had a huge falling out with Bradford's Labour administration last year after he was suspended as chair of governors at a local school caught up in allegations of Islamic fundamentalism linked to the so-called Trojan Horse plot.

The Guardian

"Just as any revolution eats its children, unchecked market fundamentalism can devour the social capital essential for the long-term dynamism of capitalism itself.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the potential negative connotations of "fundamentalism". While it can describe a strict adherence to principles, it often implies intolerance or resistance to change. Choose more neutral terms like "strict adherence" or "orthodox belief" if a less judgmental tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentalism" interchangeably with "traditionalism". While both involve adherence to established beliefs, "fundamentalism" often implies a more active and sometimes confrontational stance against perceived threats to those beliefs, whereas "traditionalism" focuses on preserving established customs and values.

Linguistic Context

The word "fundamentalism" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a tendency or movement characterized by strict adherence to fundamental principles, often in religion or ideology. As noted by Ludwig AI, it can refer to specific beliefs or a general approach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamentalism" is a noun referring to a strict adherence to core tenets, often religious or ideological, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media, with a neutral tone. While the term is widely employed, it's essential to consider its potential negative connotations and ensure precise usage depending on the context. Related phrases, such as "strict adherence" or "dogmatic belief", can offer alternative nuances. When writing, avoid confusing "fundamentalism" with "traditionalism", and be mindful of the term's implications to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict adherence

Focuses on the act of following rules or beliefs closely, without necessarily implying the same level of rigidity or ideological conviction as "fundamentalism".

dogmatic belief

Emphasizes the unquestioning acceptance of doctrines, often carrying a negative connotation of being inflexible or resistant to evidence.

religious orthodoxy

Specifically refers to adherence to traditional religious doctrines, particularly within established religious institutions.

ideological rigidity

Highlights the inflexibility and narrowness of a belief system, often in a political or philosophical context.

doctrinal purity

Focuses on maintaining the original or 'pure' form of a doctrine, often implying a rejection of modern interpretations or adaptations.

literal interpretation

Refers to a specific method of understanding texts or doctrines, focusing on the most direct or surface-level meaning.

uncompromising principles

Emphasizes the firmness and resoluteness of one's beliefs, without necessarily implying the same level of institutionalization or dogmatism as "fundamentalism".

zealous conviction

Highlights the enthusiastic and fervent nature of belief, potentially implying a more active or proselytizing approach.

militant ideology

Suggests an aggressive or combative approach to promoting a particular belief system, often involving the use of force or coercion.

extremism

Represents the most radical end of the spectrum, where beliefs are held so strongly that they justify violence or other extreme actions.

FAQs

How is "fundamentalism" typically used in a sentence?

"Fundamentalism" is often used to describe a strict adherence to the basic principles of any subject or discipline. For example, "religious fundamentalism" refers to a strict interpretation of religious texts. It can also be used in other contexts, such as "market fundamentalism", to describe unwavering belief in free-market principles.

What are some alternative words to use instead of "fundamentalism"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "orthodoxy", "strict adherence", "dogmatism", or "zealotry". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to use "fundamentalism" to describe any strong belief?

While "fundamentalism" can be used to describe a strong adherence to any set of basic ideas or principles, it is most commonly associated with religion. Using it in other contexts may require clarification to avoid misunderstanding. For example, saying "economic fundamentalism" might need further explanation to clarify that you mean unwavering belief in particular economic principles.

What's the difference between "fundamentalism" and "extremism"?

While both terms describe strong beliefs, "fundamentalism" refers to strict adherence to foundational principles, whereas "extremism" implies beliefs that are outside the mainstream and often involve a willingness to take radical action. "Fundamentalism" does not necessarily imply violence or illegal activity, while "extremism" often does.