moralism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, often academic, literary, or critical. Used in analysis, critique, and philosophical discourse.
Quick answer
What does “moralism” mean?
A strict, often simplistic, adherence to moral principles, especially when expressed in a judgmental or self-righteous way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strict, often simplistic, adherence to moral principles, especially when expressed in a judgmental or self-righteous way.
1. The practice of moralizing; making judgments about others based on a particular moral code. 2. The quality of being morally judgmental. 3. A philosophical or political theory that emphasises morality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Usage context and frequency are similar.
Connotations
Equally negative in both variants when describing a person or attitude.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American political and cultural commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “moralism” in a Sentence
accusation of moralismcriticism of moralismreject moralismpractice moralismslide into moralismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moralism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He moralised endlessly about the decline of society.
- The columnist tends to moralise on issues he knows little about.
American English
- She moralized about the importance of family values.
- Politicians should lead, not moralize.
adverb
British English
- He spoke moralistically about the youth of today.
- She shook her head moralistically.
American English
- He moralistically condemned all forms of gambling.
- The article was written moralistically.
adjective
British English
- He took a moralistic tone in the debate.
- The film's moralistic ending felt forced.
American English
- Her moralistic attitude was a turn-off.
- We need practical solutions, not moralistic lectures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in critiques of corporate social responsibility if deemed insincere or judgmental: 'The CEO's speech was dismissed as corporate moralism.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, political theory, sociology, and literary criticism: 'The paper critiques the Kantian moralism underlying the policy.'
Everyday
Uncommon. Used to criticise someone perceived as overly judgmental: 'I can't stand his constant moralism about how people spend their money.'
Technical
Used in ethical philosophy to describe theories that prioritise moral principles over consequences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moralism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “moralism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moralism”
- Using 'moralism' as a synonym for 'morality' (it's a specific, often negative subset).
- Misspelling as 'moralizm'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly negative in contemporary usage. It implies a rigid, judgmental, and often hypocritical application of morality.
'Moralizing' refers to the *act* of expressing moral judgments, often tediously. 'Moralism' is the *quality*, *attitude*, or *system* of thought characterised by such judgmental moralizing.
Extremely rarely. In very specific philosophical contexts, it might neutrally denote a theory centered on morals. In general use, it is pejorative.
A person who practises or advocates moralism; someone who is prone to making moral judgments, especially in a self-righteous way.
A strict, often simplistic, adherence to moral principles, especially when expressed in a judgmental or self-righteous way.
Moralism is usually formal, often academic, literary, or critical. used in analysis, critique, and philosophical discourse. in register.
Moralism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒr.ə.lɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɔːr.ə.lɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A whiff of moralism”
- “To be steeped in moralism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MORAL + ISM. An 'ISM' is a doctrine or system. So 'moralism' is a *system* or *practice* of applying morals, often rigidly.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALISM IS A RIGID STRUCTURE (e.g., a cage, a wall, a straightjacket) that confines or judges.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'moralism' correctly?