babbittian
|bab-bit-i-an|
/bəˈbɪtiən/
smug middle-class conformity
Etymology
'babbittian' originates from English, specifically the proper name 'Babbitt' (from Sinclair Lewis's novel 'Babbitt', 1922), where the suffix '-ian' meant 'pertaining to'.
'babbittian' changed from the proper name 'Babbitt' (the fictional character created by Sinclair Lewis) and was later formed into the adjective 'babbittian' to describe people or attitudes like those of the character.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to the character Babbitt,' but over time it evolved into the broader meaning 'showing narrow-minded, materialistic, complacent conformity' used to describe real people or social attitudes.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
of or relating to George F. Babbitt (the protagonist of Sinclair Lewis's novel Babbitt, 1922), especially his traits or attitudes.
The critic said the small city's politics were plainly babbittian after reading the novel.
Synonyms
Adjective 2
characterized by narrow-minded, materialistic, complacent conformity to middle-class standards; philistine and self-satisfied.
Her babbittian attitudes made her resistant to any suggestion of social change.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/23 00:04