counterreformation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “counterreformation” mean?
A reform movement within the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and 17th centuries, aimed at opposing the Protestant Reformation and revitalising the Church.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reform movement within the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and 17th centuries, aimed at opposing the Protestant Reformation and revitalising the Church.
Any organised movement or set of actions intended to counter a previous reform or revolution, particularly in religious, political, or social contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in historical contexts. Hyphenation ('Counter-Reformation') is slightly more common in British English, while solid forms ('counterreformation') are more common in American English, especially in extended metaphorical uses.
Connotations
Conveys strong historical and theological weight. In extended use, can imply a reactionary or conservative pushback.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language; primarily encountered in history, theology, and political science texts.
Grammar
How to Use “counterreformation” in a Sentence
The Counter-Reformation [VERB] (e.g., began, responded, aimed)A counterreformation against [NOUN]To [VERB] a counterreformationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “counterreformation” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Counter-Reformation art is known for its dramatic emotionalism.
- The counterreformation mindset was deeply sceptical of individualism.
American English
- Counterreformation theology emphasised the authority of the Church.
- He took a counterreformation stance on the policy changes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; metaphorically for a strategic reversal against a competitor's innovative move (e.g., 'The company's aggressive marketing was a counterreformation against the startup's disruption.').
Academic
Primary context: History, Religious Studies, Political Science. Used to analyse period-specific events and broader patterns of ideological conflict.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in historical scholarship; denotes the period c. 1545-1648 characterised by the Council of Trent, the Jesuits, the Inquisition, and religious wars.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “counterreformation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “counterreformation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “counterreformation”
- Misspelling: 'counter reformation' (should be hyphenated or solid).
- Confusing it with the 'Protestant Reformation'.
- Using it for any minor opposition instead of a major, organised movement.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the 16th-17th century Catholic movement, it is often capitalised (Counter-Reformation). In metaphorical or generalised uses, it is usually lowercased.
The Reformation was the Protestant movement led by figures like Luther and Calvin that broke from the Catholic Church. The Counter-Reformation was the Catholic Church's internal reform and defensive response to that break.
No, it is exclusively a noun. The related verb would be 'to counter' or 'to oppose'.
Primarily in History (especially Early Modern European history), Religious Studies/Theology, and Art History (regarding Baroque art).
A reform movement within the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and 17th centuries, aimed at opposing the Protestant Reformation and revitalising the Church.
Counterreformation is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Counterreformation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkaʊn.təˌref.əˈmeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkaʊn.t̬ɚ.ref.ɚˈmeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COUNTER (against) + REFORMATION (the Protestant movement). It was the Catholic Church's move to counter the Reformation.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORICAL MOVEMENT AS A TIDAL WAVE (a powerful force meeting another powerful force).
Practice
Quiz
In an extended, non-historical sense, 'counterreformation' most closely means: