anti-puritanical
|an-ti-pu-ri-tan-i-cal|
/ˌæn.tiˌpjʊəˈrɪtɪnɪkəl/
against strict moralism
Etymology
'anti-puritanical' originates from the combining prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') with 'puritanical', itself formed from 'puritan' + the adjective suffix '-ical'. 'Puritan' ultimately relates to Latin 'puritas' meaning 'purity'.
'puritan' developed in English from Late Latin/New Latin formations related to 'puritas' ('purity'), passed through forms such as Middle French 'puritain' into Early Modern English as 'Puritan'; from that came 'puritanical' and, by prefixation, 'anti-puritanical' in modern usage.
Initially, 'puritan' referred specifically to members of a 16th–17th century Protestant movement aiming for moral/religious 'purity'; over time 'puritanical' broadened to mean strict moralism generally, and 'anti-puritanical' now means 'opposed to such strictness' in both religious and secular senses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
opposed to Puritanism or to strict Puritan moral/religious principles.
Her writings were openly anti-puritanical, criticizing the church's harsh moral judgments.
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Adjective 2
opposed to excessive moral strictness or prudishness in behavior and social norms (broader, non-religious use).
The festival had an anti-puritanical spirit, encouraging free expression and relaxed attitudes toward pleasure.
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Last updated: 2025/11/17 05:22