relativist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal / Academic
Quick answer
What does “relativist” mean?
A person who believes that truth, morality, or knowledge are not absolute but depend on context, perspective, or culture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who believes that truth, morality, or knowledge are not absolute but depend on context, perspective, or culture.
Specifically, in philosophy, one who subscribes to relativism, the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute. In common usage, it can refer to someone who applies situational or subjective judgment rather than fixed principles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in US academic writing on cultural studies and postmodernism. Spelling of related terms may follow regional patterns (e.g., 'relativise' vs. 'relativize').
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties. In political/philosophical discourse, may be used pejoratively by conservatives to critique perceived moral decay or lack of intellectual rigour.
Frequency
Moderate and specialised frequency in both. Likely higher frequency in US university contexts discussing multiculturalism and postmodern thought.
Grammar
How to Use “relativist” in a Sentence
Relativist + of + [concept] (e.g., relativist of truth)Relativist + in + [field] (e.g., relativist in ethics)Adjective + relativist (e.g., cultural relativist)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “relativist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The philosopher sought to relativise our concepts of justice.
- They are attempting to relativise historical narratives.
American English
- The article tries to relativize moral standards.
- Critics accused her of relativizing the facts.
adverb
British English
- He argued relativistically, considering each case's context.
- The data was interpreted relativistically.
American English
- She thinks relativistically about cultural practices.
- They approached the problem relativistically.
adjective
British English
- His relativist stance made the debate difficult.
- We examined relativist theories of truth.
American English
- The relativist approach challenges universal claims.
- She holds a relativist position on language.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare. Might appear in discussions of cross-cultural business ethics.
Academic
Primary domain. Common in philosophy, anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, and ethics papers.
Everyday
Rare. If used, it's often in simplified debates about morality ('He's such a relativist about everything').
Technical
Core term in philosophical epistemology and meta-ethics. Precise meaning depends on the sub-field (e.g., epistemic relativist vs. moral relativist).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “relativist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “relativist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “relativist”
- Misspelling as 'relativest' or 'relativistic' (which is the adjective).
- Using it to mean simply 'flexible' or 'open-minded' without the philosophical underpinning.
- Confusing 'moral relativist' with 'amoral' or 'immoral'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Relativism is a philosophical position, not a character trait. A relativist applies a theoretical framework, not mere indecision.
Not necessarily. Most sophisticated relativists argue for criteria within contexts. They reject universal 'absolutes' but not necessarily local norms or reasoned judgment.
'Relativist' is primarily a noun (a person) or adjective describing the person/theory. 'Relativistic' is the adjective form, often used in physics (Einstein's theory) or to describe a quality ('a relativistic viewpoint').
It is highly controversial. Scientific realists oppose it. Some sociologists of science take a relativist stance, arguing that scientific facts are influenced by social factors, but this is disputed within the scientific community.
A person who believes that truth, morality, or knowledge are not absolute but depend on context, perspective, or culture.
Relativist is usually formal / academic in register.
Relativist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛl.ə.tɪ.vɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛl.ə.t̬ɪ.vɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Slip down the relativist slope”
- “Everything is relative (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RELATIVIST' judges things RELATIVE to their situation, not by absolute rules.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRUTH/MORALITY IS A LENS (dependent on the viewer's position); KNOWLEDGE IS A PRODUCT OF CULTURE.
Practice
Quiz
In a philosophical debate, a 'relativist' is most directly opposed to which of the following?