puritanism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, historical, and critical (when used metaphorically).
Quick answer
What does “puritanism” mean?
A movement of religious reform in 16th–17th century England that sought to 'purify' the Church of England.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A movement of religious reform in 16th–17th century England that sought to 'purify' the Church of England; later, a broader cultural attitude emphasizing strict morality, austerity, self-discipline, and opposition to pleasure.
Any strict, rigid, or austere adherence to moral or religious principles, often with a censorious attitude towards perceived indulgence, luxury, or deviation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The historical context is more directly relevant to British history, but the metaphorical usage is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it carries strong connotations of prudishness, intolerance, and joyless strictness. Rarely used as a positive self-description in modern contexts.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday conversation; appears more in historical, religious, cultural, or political commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “puritanism” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + puritanismpuritanism + [Preposition] (of/in/about)to be rooted in puritanismto reject/embrace puritanismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “puritanism” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The historian traced the nation's attitude to pleasure back to its legacy of Puritanism.
- There's a lingering Puritanism in the way the media discusses public figures' private lives.
American English
- His approach to diet and exercise bordered on a new kind of health Puritanism.
- The film critiques the sexual Puritanism of mid-century America.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Seldom used. Might appear in critiques of overly rigid corporate culture ('the puritanism of the new efficiency drive').
Academic
Common in historical, theological, literary, and cultural studies to describe the movement or its ideological legacy.
Everyday
Used metaphorically to criticize someone for being overly strict or prudish ('Don't be such a puritan about a bit of mess!').
Technical
Specific term in historical and religious studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “puritanism”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “puritanism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “puritanism”
- Using it to mean simply 'strict' without the moral/religious dimension.
- Confusing 'Puritanism' (historical movement) with 'puritanical' (modern adjective).
- Misspelling as 'puritianism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern, metaphorical use, it is almost always negative or critical, implying intolerance and joylessness. Historically, it is a neutral descriptor of a specific religious movement.
It would be an exaggeration. Use it for a severe, morally-judgmental attitude towards pleasure, indulgence, or deviation, not just for neatness.
A 'Puritan' (capitalised) is a member of the historical movement. 'Puritanical' (adjective) describes someone with sternly moral and censorious attitudes, like a stereotypical Puritan.
Yes, conceptually. The Protestant (specifically Puritan) work ethic is a sociological concept linking hard work, discipline, and frugality—core Puritan values—to economic success.
A movement of religious reform in 16th–17th century England that sought to 'purify' the Church of England.
Puritanism is usually formal, academic, historical, and critical (when used metaphorically). in register.
Puritanism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpjʊə.rɪ.tə.nɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpjʊr.ə.t̬ən.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Puritan streak”
- “The Puritan work ethic (related but distinct concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'purify' at its core. PURITANISM wants to PURIFY behaviour and society, often in a PURITANical way.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS CLEANLINESS / PLEASURE IS A CONTAMINANT. Deviations from strict morals are seen as 'impurities' to be cleansed.
Practice
Quiz
In modern usage, 'puritanism' most often implies: