pro-legalist
|pro-le-gal-ist|
🇺🇸
/ˌproʊˈliːɡəlɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˌprəʊˈliːɡəlɪst/
in favor of strict application of law
Etymology
'pro-legalist' is formed in Modern English by prefixing the Latin-derived prefix 'pro-' (meaning 'for' or 'in favor of') to the noun 'legalist' (a supporter of legalism).
'legalist' derives from 'legal' + suffix '-ist'. 'Legal' comes from Old French 'legal' and from Latin 'legalis' ultimately from 'lex, legis' meaning 'law'. The suffix '-ist' (from Greek/Latin) denotes an adherent or believer; thus 'legalist' developed as 'one adhering to legal principles', and 'pro-legalist' is a modern formation meaning 'in favor of a legalist approach'.
The prefix 'pro-' originally meant 'for' or 'in front of', while 'legalist' originally designated an adherent of legalism; combined, the modern term means 'in favor of strict adherence to law,' a fairly literal extension of its parts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who favors legalism or strongly supports strict adherence to law, legal rules, or formal legal procedures.
As a pro-legalist, she argued that policy changes must follow established statutes rather than ad hoc decisions.
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Adjective 1
favoring or promoting legalism; supporting strict interpretation or application of laws and formal legal processes.
The committee adopted a pro-legalist stance, insisting that enforcement must follow the letter of the law.
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Last updated: 2025/11/02 03:50