moralism - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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moralism

|mo-ral-ism|

🇺🇸

/ˈmɔrəlɪzəm/

🇬🇧

/ˈmɒrəlɪzəm/

imposing moral judgments

Etymology

Etymology Information

'moralism' originates from French, specifically the word 'moralisme', where 'moralis' related to 'manner' or 'custom' derived from Latin.

Historical Evolution

'moralism' changed from Medieval Latin 'moralismus' and Old French 'moralisme' and eventually became the modern English word 'moralism'.

Meaning Changes

Initially it meant 'pertaining to morals or moral questions', but over time it also acquired the critical sense of 'excessive or self-righteous moralizing'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an attitude or practice of making moral judgments about others' behavior; a tendency to preach or impose moral standards (often used with a critical or pejorative sense).

Critics accused the campaign of moralism rather than addressing practical policy issues.

Synonyms

moralizingsanctimoniousnessprudishnessjudgmentalism

Antonyms

tolerance relativismindifference (to moral judgement)

Noun 2

the doctrine or theory of morals; a system of moral principles or ethical teaching (formal or academic sense).

The philosopher's study focused on moralism in 19th-century ethical thought.

Synonyms

ethical doctrinemoral theoryethics

Antonyms

amoralismimmorality (as opposing doctrine)