legalistic
|le-gal-is-tic|
/ˌliːɡəˈlɪstɪk/
focused on legal rules or technicalities
Etymology
'legalistic' originates from English, formed from the adjective 'legal' + the suffix '-istic' (ultimately from Greek/Latin), where 'legal' meant 'of law' and the suffix '-istic' meant 'pertaining to' or 'characterized by'.
'legal' comes from Latin 'legalis' (from 'lex', meaning 'law'); the suffix '-istic' traces to Greek '-istikos' via Latin '-isticus'. The combination of 'legal' + '-istic' in modern English produced 'legalistic'.
Initially it meant 'relating to law' or 'lawful', but over time it also acquired the sense 'excessively concerned with legal technicalities or the letter of the law' in addition to the neutral 'of the law' meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the law or to legal rules; based on or concerned with law.
The committee adopted a legalistic approach, prioritizing statutory requirements in its review.
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Adjective 2
overly concerned with legal form, technicalities, or literal wording rather than broader intent or fairness; formalistic.
Her objections were criticized as legalistic — focused on technicalities instead of the contract’s spirit.
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Last updated: 2025/09/01 22:53