legalism
The focusing on the text of written law to the exclusion of the intent of law,…The focusing on the text of written law to the exclusion of the intent of law, elevating strict adherence to law over justice, mercy, grace and common sense.
Meaning
3 senses(uncountable)The focusing on the text of written law to the exclusion of the intent of law, elevating strict adherence to law over justice, mercy, grace and common sense.
(derogatory, often, uncountable)A belief that salvation is attained or maintained by adherence to the requirements of moral law; salvation by works rather than by faith alone.
strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit
(countable)A legal axiom, term or rule.
Translations
3 languagesOrigin
From legal + -ism. Piecewise doublet of loyalism.From legal + -ism. Piecewise doublet of loyalism.
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Forms
plural: legalismsAntonyms
2 antonymsWord family
8 related wordsLessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable