Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

legalism

/lˈiɡəlˌɪzəm/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.20 in modern English

Syllables: le-gal-ism
IPA: /lˈiɡəlˌɪzəm/

11

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

4

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

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.

Uncountable

noun

A belief that salvation is attained or maintained by adherence to the requirements of moral law; salvation by works rather than by faith alone.

Derogatory; Uncountable

noun

A legal axiom, term or rule.

Countable

noun

Alternative letter-case form of Legalism.

Uncountable

noun

A school of thought, originating in ancient China during the Warring States period and officially adopted during the Qin dynasty, advocating rule by law as key to ensuring social stability.

Uncountable

Etymology

From legal + -ism. Piecewise doublet of loyalism.

Word Breakdown

Suffix: legal

Usage

Inflected Forms

legalisms (plural)

Phrases

non-legalism pro-legalism

Frequently Paired Words

legalist legalistic legalistically nonlegalism non-legalism prolegalism pro-legalism aphorism

Synonyms

casuistry

Antonyms

antilegalism nonlegalism antinomianism antinomism solifidianism

Questions

How do you pronounce legalism?: The recorded pronunciation is /lˈiɡəlˌɪzəm/.
What does legalism mean?: 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.
Where does legalism come from?: From legal + -ism. Piecewise doublet of loyalism.

How to pronounce legalism

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “legalism”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/lˈiɡəlˌɪzəm/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “legalism”.
Repeat and practice — Say “legalism” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.