'anti-traditionalism' originates from Greek and Latin elements: specifically the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') meaning 'against' and the root 'tradition' (from Latin 'traditio') meaning 'a handing over; tradition', plus the English nominal suffix '-ism'.

'Traditio' (Latin) passed into Old French and Middle English as 'tradition'; the adjective 'traditional' developed from 'tradition' + '-al'; the noun-forming suffix '-ism' produced 'traditionalism'. The prefix 'anti-' was attached in modern English to form 'anti-traditionalism' to denote opposition to traditions.

Initially the components separately meant 'against' (anti-) and 'handing over/tradition' (traditio); combined in modern English the term has meant 'opposition to tradition' or 'rejection of established customs', a meaning that has remained stable while its application broadened to cultural, social, political, and artistic contexts.