anti-ritualism
|an-ti-rit-u-al-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˌæntiˈrɪtʃuəlɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌæntiˈrɪtʃuːəlɪzəm/
against ritual
Etymology
'anti-ritualism' originates from the combining form 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') and the noun 'ritualism' (from 'ritual' + suffix '-ism'), where 'ritual' ultimately comes from Latin 'ritus' meaning 'rite'.
'ritual' comes from Latin 'ritus' and entered English as 'ritual'; the noun 'ritualism' was formed by adding the suffix '-ism' to denote a practice or doctrine; later the prefix 'anti-' was added to create 'anti-ritualism' meaning opposition to that practice.
Initially the components individually meant 'against' (anti-) and 'the practice of rites' (ritualism); over time 'anti-ritualism' has been used both as a general descriptor for opposition to ritual and more specifically to designate historical movements opposing liturgical ceremonialism.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
opposition to ritual practices or to an excessive emphasis on formal ceremonies; a stance or tendency against ritualism.
The movement's anti-ritualism favored plain services over elaborate ceremonies.
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Noun 2
specifically, a historical or institutional movement (for example within churches) opposing the introduction or continuation of elaborate liturgical rites and ceremonies.
In 19th-century Anglican debates, anti-ritualism often clashed with supporters of more elaborate liturgy.
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Last updated: 2025/10/18 22:39