rigorism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, academic, historical
Quick answer
What does “rigorism” mean?
The practice or doctrine of applying rules or principles strictly without allowance for exceptions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice or doctrine of applying rules or principles strictly without allowance for exceptions; strictness, severity.
In philosophy, especially moral philosophy, the doctrine that moral laws are absolute and admit of no exceptions. In historical religious contexts, it can refer to a strict interpretation of doctrine or law.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning difference. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral to negative in academic discourse, implying inflexibility. In British contexts, it might be slightly more associated with historical religious debates (e.g., Jansenism).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely encountered in specialized philosophical, theological, or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “rigorism” in a Sentence
[rigorism] of [principle/concept]accuse [someone/something] of [rigorism]practice [rigorism]oppose/condemn [rigorism]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rigorism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They argued he was rigorising moral theology to an impractical degree.
- The sect rigorised its interpretation of the ancient texts.
American English
- He rigorized the application of the policy, leaving no room for discretion.
- Critics claimed the movement was rigorizing ethical standards.
adverb
British English
- He applied the rules rigoristically.
- The doctrine was rigoristically enforced.
American English
- They interpreted the guidelines rigoristically.
- She argued rigoristically against any compromise.
adjective
British English
- His rigorist stance on the matter was well-known.
- A rigorist interpretation of the law prevailed.
American English
- The rigorist approach of the committee stifled innovation.
- She took a rigorist position in the ethics debate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used critically: 'The CEO's rigorism regarding expense reports is demoralising.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in philosophy, ethics, theology, and history to describe strict adherence to principles.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A speaker might say 'He's very strict' or 'She follows the rules to the letter.'
Technical
In philosophical discourse, it has a specific meaning contrasting with 'probabilism' and 'laxism' in moral theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rigorism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rigorism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rigorism”
- Using it to describe a person ('He is a rigorism'). Correct: 'He *practices* rigorism' or 'He *is a rigorist*.'
- Confusing it with 'rigor' (as in 'rigor mortis' or 'academic rigor'). Rigorism is a specific, often doctrinal, application of rigor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally neutral-to-negative, implying a lack of flexibility or compassion in applying rules. It is rarely used as a compliment.
'Rigor' is the quality of being extremely thorough, careful, or accurate. 'Rigorism' is the doctrine or practice of applying such strictness, especially to moral rules, often to an extreme degree.
No. The noun for a person is 'rigorist'. 'Rigorism' is the abstract concept or practice. You can say 'He is a rigorist' or 'He practices rigorism'.
Yes. In classical moral theology, 'rigorism' (no exceptions) contrasts with 'laxism' (too many exceptions) and 'probabilism' (a more moderate, probability-based approach).
The practice or doctrine of applying rules or principles strictly without allowance for exceptions.
Rigorism is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Rigorism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪɡərɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪɡəˌrɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms directly contain 'rigorism'. Related concept: 'the letter of the law'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RIGOR (strictness) + ISM (a system or doctrine). It's the ISM of being RIGORous.
Conceptual Metaphor
RIGORISM IS INFLEXIBLE ADHERENCE / RIGORISM IS A STRAITJACKET FOR MORALITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'rigorism' most precisely and commonly used?