legalism
legalism Lexical Profile
legalism Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Excessive adherence to law or formula, especially to the literal letter of a rule rather than its underlying spirit or intent.
"The committee's rigid legalism prevented them from making a compassionate exception for the student."
In Christian theology, the doctrine that salvation depends on strict adherence to moral law and good works rather than on divine grace and faith.
"The reformer's sermon warned the congregation against falling into the trap of religious legalism."
A word, phrase, or technical rule used primarily in legal contexts.
"The contract was cluttered with archaic legalisms that confused the average reader."
• Rhymes for legalism
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 17th century from the adjective 'legal' (ultimately from Latin legalis, from lex meaning 'law') combined with the suffix '-ism'. It was originally used in Christian theology to contrast adherence to religious law with salvation through grace.