Is 'misoneism' a common word?

No, it is a very rare, formal word used almost exclusively in academic or highly specific analytical contexts.

What is the difference between 'misoneism' and 'conservatism'?

Conservatism is a broader political or social philosophy favoring tradition. Misoneism is a stronger, more psychological term implying an irrational hatred or fear of anything new.

Is there a person who suffers from misoneism called a 'misoneist'?

Yes, 'misoneist' is the correct, though extremely rare, noun for such a person.

Can 'misoneism' be used in a positive sense?

Almost never. It carries a strongly negative connotation, suggesting an unhealthy or obstructive resistance.

Is “misoneism” formal?

Misoneism is usually formal, academic in register.

How do you pronounce “misoneism”?

Misoneism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsəʊˈniːɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsoʊˈniɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

misoneism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌmɪsəʊˈniːɪz(ə)m/US/ˌmɪsoʊˈniɪzəm/

Formal, Academic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “misoneism” mean?

A hatred or strong dislike of change or innovation.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A hatred or strong dislike of change or innovation.

A psychological or ideological aversion to new ideas, practices, or reforms, often rooted in conservatism or traditionalism.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.

Connotations

Strongly negative, implying a pathological or obstructive resistance to progress.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined to academic, psychological, or socio-political discourse.

Grammar

How to Use “misoneism” in a Sentence

[Subject]'s misoneismmisoneism towards [Object]misoneism rooted in [Cause]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

deep-seated misoneismcultural misoneismpolitical misoneism

medium

accused of misoneismovercome misoneismstem from misoneism

weak

a form of misoneismdue to misoneismagainst misoneism

Examples

Examples of “misoneism” in a Sentence

verb

British English

[No common verb form. The related concept is 'to resist change'.]

American English

[No common verb form. The related concept is 'to be averse to innovation'.]

adverb

British English

[No common adverb form.]

American English

[No common adverb form.]

adjective

British English

His misoneistic views made him oppose the new software rollout.

American English

The committee's misoneistic stance blocked the policy reform.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rarely used. Might appear in analyses of corporate culture resistant to digital transformation.

Academic

Used in psychology, sociology, and history to describe ideological or psychological resistance to change.

Everyday

Virtually never used in casual conversation.

Technical

A precise term in psychological and sociological literature.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “misoneism”

Strong

neophobiahatred of novelty

Neutral

conservatism traditionalism

Weak

resistance to changeaversion to innovation

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “misoneism”

neophilia progressivisminnovative spiritopen-mindedness

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “misoneism”

Misspelling as 'misonism' or 'misoneicism'.
Confusing it with 'misogyny' or 'misanthropy'.
Using it to describe a simple preference for old things rather than a hatred of new ones.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a very rare, formal word used almost exclusively in academic or highly specific analytical contexts.
: Conservatism is a broader political or social philosophy favoring tradition. Misoneism is a stronger, more psychological term implying an irrational hatred or fear of anything new.
: Yes, 'misoneist' is the correct, though extremely rare, noun for such a person.
: Almost never. It carries a strongly negative connotation, suggesting an unhealthy or obstructive resistance.
: A hatred or strong dislike of change or innovation.
: Misoneism is usually formal, academic in register.
: Misoneism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsəʊˈniːɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsoʊˈniɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[No common idioms for this rare word]”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'MIS' (wrong/bad) + 'ONE' (as in 'new' from Greek 'neos') + 'ISM' (doctrine). The 'bad doctrine' or feeling about what is new.

Conceptual Metaphor

CHANGE IS A THREAT / INNOVATION IS A DISEASE.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The board's prevented the adoption of more efficient remote-working practices, much to the frustration of younger staff.

Multiple Choice

What is the core meaning of 'misoneism'?