Attitudes
Attitudes
See also behavior; moods; psychology.
a concern or regard for the needs of others, entirely without ulterior motive. —altruist, n. —altruistic, adj.
the views and principles of a person who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than profit. Cf. professionalism. —amateur, n.
an active dislike or energetic hostility that leads to strong opposition.
a contentiousness toward or opposition to others or their ideas; hostility or antipathy. —antagonistic, adj.
anti-Gallicanism
dislike of or opposition to anything French. — anti-Gallican, anti-Gallic, adj.
anti-Klanism
opposition to the ideas and activities of the Ku Klux Klan.
1. the habit of conduct, thought, and speech expressing total submission to rigid principles and rules.
2. the principles and views of the rule maker. —authoritarian, n., adj.
autotheism
a person’s elevation of himself into being his own god.
Babbittism
adherence to a rigidly conventional set of mores and aspirations. The salient characteristics are the drive for business success and the lack of culture. The model for the characterization is George Babbitt, chief protagonist of Sinclair Lewis’s novel, Babbitt. Also Babbittry.
beatnikism
attitudes or behavior typical of a beatnik or one who has rejected conventions of society.
beauism
the tendency to give excessive attention to matters of dress and etiquette. —beauish, adj.
a warlike or hostile attitude. —bellicose, adj.
obtuse or narrow-minded intolerance, especially of other races or religions. —bigot, n. —bigoted, adj.
bucolicism
the conduct and views suitable for a rural, rustic, or pastoral existence. —bucolic, bucolical, adj.
adherence to a middle-of-the-road position, neither left nor right, as in politics. —centrist, adj., n.
the quality or state of being agreeable, gracious, considerate, etc. —complaisant, adj.
the act or practice of conforming, as to social convention, religious orthodoxy, or established political belief, —conformist, n., adj.
constructionism
the use of or reliance on construction or constructive methods. —constructionist, n.
controversialism
the relation to controversy or to a subject of controversy. —controversialist, n.
a variety of conduct and thought based solely upon the usages, opinions, and practices of one’s own society. —conventionalist, n.
the opinions and behavior emerging from the theory that cultural and artistic activities should have neither national nor parochial boundaries. —cosmopolitan, n., adj.
the holding or expressing of opinions that reveal disbelief and sometimes disdain for commonly held human values and virtues. Also called cynism. See also philosophy. —cynic, n. —cynical, adj.
excessive concern with matters of dress; foppishness. —dandy, n.
1. the acceptance of defeat as a foregone conclusion and the resultant failure to make an effort to succeed.
2. the views underlying acceptance of the frustration or thwarting of a goal, especially by the failure to prevent them. Cf. futilitarianism. —defeatist, n., adj.
the views and conduct of one who intends to teach, often in a pedantic or contemptuous manner, both factual and moral material. —didact, n. —didactic, adj.
die-hardism
the attitudes or behavior of one who stubbornly holds on to something, as an outdated view, untenable position, etc. —die-hard, n., adj.
an extreme individualism; thought and behavior based upon the premise that one’s individual self is the highest product, if not the totality, of existence. Cf. individualism. —egoist, n. —egoistic, adj.
the practice of thought, speech, and conduct expressing high self-regard or self-exaltation, usually without skepticism or humility. —egotist, n. —egotistical, adj.
the attitude that government should be by those who consider themselves superior to others by virtue of intelligence, social status, or greater accomplishment.
an undue influence of feelings upon thought and behavior. —emotionalist, n. —emotionalistic, adj.
calmness of temperament; even-temperedness. —equanimous, adj.
eremitism
1. the state of being a hermit.
2. an attitude favoring solitude and seclusion. —eremite, n. —eremitic, adj.
ethicism
a conscious tendency to moralize.
attention paid to outward or outside matters, especially in religious affairs. —externalist, n.
1. the condition or act of taking an extreme view.
2. the taking of extreme action. —extremist, n., adj.
an extreme and uncritical zeal or enthusiasm, as in religion or politics. —fanatic, n., adj. —fanatical, adj.
the viewpoints of believers in the doctrine that all things are determined by the nature of existence and beyond human influence. —fatalist, n. —fatalistic, adj.
faustianism
spiritual or intellectual dissatisfaction combined with a desire for power or material advantage. After Johann Faust (c. 1480-c. 1538), German scholar portrayed by Marlowe and Goethe. —faustian, adj.
an attitude favoring the movement to eliminate political, social, and professional discrimination against women. —feminist, n., adj. —feministic, adj.
finalism
the belief in final causes. —finalist, n.
finicalism
Rare. a conscious and sometimes affected fastidiousness and undue concern with trifles, especially those affecting elegance.
finicalness
an undue fastidiousness or overniceness. Also called finicality, finicism. —finical, adj.
finicism
Rare. finicalness.
an adherence to old-fashioned or conservative ideas and intolerance of change, often coupled with dullness or slowness of personality. —fogyish, fogeyish, adj.
the basing of behavior and thinking upon existent categories, formulas, or systems of formulas; traditionalism. —formulist, n. —formulistic, adj.
fossilism
behavior typical of an earlier time; old-fashioned or stuffy attitudes.
futilitarianism
a belief in the uselessness of human endeavor and aspiration. Cf. defeatism. —futilitarian, n., adj.
gigmanism
Rare. the habit of narrowmindedness, or philistinism.
girouettism
the practice of frequently altering one’s opinions or principles to follow popular trends.
gourmetism
the theories and standards of connoisseurs in eating and drinking. Also called gourmandism.
the censorship of personal conduct based upon narrow and unintelligent conventionalism. —Grundyist, Grundyite, n.
hidalgoism
the characteristics of a member of the Spanish lower nobility.
extreme or abnormal sensitivity, as to criticism. —hypersensitive, adj.
imaginationalism
an attitude of mind in which the imagination dominates. —imaginational, adj.
impossibilism
a defeatist attitude; the belief that all things are impossible.
lack of shame or modesty.
the quality of not being clearly established or fixed. —indeterminist, n. —indeterministic, adj.
the condition of being indifferent or of having no preference. See also philosophy; religion. — indifferentist, n.
the practice of independence in thought and action on the premise that the development and expression of an individual character and personality are of the utmost importance. Cf. egoism. —individualist, n. —individualistic, adj.
lack of care or concern; a lighthearted attitude. —insouciant, adj.
the quality or condition of being merry or cheerful. —jocund, adj.
jovialist
Obsolete, a person who leads a merry life.
Klanism
the beliefs and practices of members of the Ku Klux Klan. Also called Ku Kluxism, Ku Kluxery.
Laodiceanism
the quality of being indifferent in politics or religion.
tolerance or broadmindedness, especially in matters of religion; the liberal interpretation of beliefs or doctrines. —latitudinarian, n., adj.
the quality or condition of being gentle or merciful. —lenient, adj.
frivolous or lighthearted behavior or attitude; an unserious approach to life. See also humor.
maidism
1. the state or quality of being a maid, a young or unmarried woman.
2. behavior or attitude typical of maidism.
malism
the conviction that the world is evil.
the state or quality of being gentle or mild.
masculinism
1. masculinity.
2. an attempt to protect masculine traits and qualities against the assaults of militant feminism. Cf. feminism.
megalopsychy
Obsolete, generosity of spirit or magnanimity.
mercuriality
1. the state or quality of having a lively, fickle, volatile, or erratic attitude or character.
2. an instance of such behavior. —mercurial, adj.
1. the state or condition of being combative or disposed to fight.
2. the active championing of a cause or belief. —militant, n., adj.
an extreme dislike of males, frequently based upon unhappy experience or upbringing. Cf. misogynism.
a hatred of mankind; pessimistic distrust of human nature expressed in thought and behavior. Cf. philanthropy. —misanthrope, misanthropist, n. —misanthropic, adj.
an extreme dislike of females, frequently based upon unhappy experience or upbringing. Cf. misandry.
misosophy
Rare. a hatred of wisdom. —misosophist, n.
the state or quality of being excessively gloomy. —morbid, adj.
the quality or state of being sarcastic or caustic. —mordant, adj.
morosity
the quality or state of being excessively sullen or gloomy. —morose, adj.
munichism
an attitude that favors appeasement.
the quality of being exceedingly generous; lavish generosity. —munificent, adj.
namby-pambyism
weak or insipid behavior or attitude. —namby-pamby, n.
neanderthalism
adherence to or advocacy of crude outmoded views, practices, etc. —neanderthal, adj.
1. an attitude characterized by an unwillingness to follow suggestions or orders, as in children.
2. a pessimistic approach to life. See also philosophy. —negativist, n., adj., —negativistic, adj.
a new movement in conservatism, usually seen as a move further to the right of the position currently occupied by conservatives in politics or in attitudes. —neoconservative, n., adj.
nice-nellyism, nice-Nellyism
an inordinate degree of modesty or prudishness, or the appearance of such characteristics. See also language styles. —nice-nelly, —nice-Nelly, n.
total rejection of established attitudes, practices, and institutions. —nihilist, n. —nihilistic, adj.
a deliberate and conscious refusal to conform to conventional practices or patterns of behavior. —nonconformist, n. —nonconformity, n.
the state or condition of being obstinate or hardhearted. —obdurate, adj.
views and behavior that are not moved by the emotional content of an event, argument, or problem. Also objectivity.
obsequence
the desire, willingness, or eagerness to oblige, serve, please, etc.; obsequiousness. —obsequent, adj.
1. hatred.
2. the infamy or opprobrium brought on by being hated or by hateful behavior. —odious, adj.
overoptimism
an excessive and usually groundless optimism. —overoptimist, n. —overoptimistic, adj.
narrowness or pettiness of interests, opinions, or information. —parochialist, n.
parvanimity
smallness or pettiness of mind.
1. the state or quality of being inactive, of not participating.
2. the doctrine or advocacy of a passive policy, as passive resistance. —passivist, n.
perfectibilism
the attitude that anything short of perfection is unacceptable. —perfectibilist, n.
1. the religious or philosophical aspiration to be perfect in moral character.
2. a personality trait manifested by the rejection of personal achievements falling short of perfection, often leading to distress and self-condemnation. —perfectionist, n. —perfectionistic, adj.
a depressed and melancholy viewpoint manifested as a disposition to hold the least hopeful opinion of conditions or behavior. See also philosophy. —pessimist, n. —pessimistic, adj.
1. the condition or quality of being irritable, peevish, or impatient.
2. an irritable or peevish statement or action. Also petulancy. —petulant, adj.
a deliberate affection for mankind, shown in contributions of money, property, or work for the benefit of others. Cf. misanthropy. —philanthropist, n. —philanthropic, adj.
the opinions, goals, and conduct of persons deficient in liberal culture. —philistine, n., adj.
philopater
Obsolete. 1. one who loves his father.
2. one who loves his country.
plerophory
a state or quality of full confidence or absolute certainty.
indifference; nonchalance.
Pollyannaism
blind or excessive optimism, after the character Pollyanna, created by American writer Eleanor Porter (1868-1920).
precisionism
an insistence upon perfection in language, morals, or ritual. —precisionist, n. —precisionistic, adj.
the standards, views, and behavior of one who engages in an activity, especially sports or the arts, to make his livelihood. Cf. amateurism. —professional, n., adj.
protervity
peevishness.
modesty or shyness; embarrassment.
pudicity
modesty, especially chastity or chastefulness.
1. a belief that human races have distinctive characteristics that determine their respective cultures, usually involving the idea that one’s race is superior and has the right to control others.
2. a belief in a policy of enforcing the asserted right of control. —racist, n., adj.
ceremonialism. —ritualist, n. —ritualistic, adj.
rubricism
a tenacious adherence to rules of behavior or thought; formulism. —rubrician, n.
the motivations for exalting country above city living. —ruralist, n.
sanguinity
the quality or condition of being ardent, confident, or optimistic. —sanguine, adj.
1. Often Disparaging. the style, assumptions, techniques, practices, etc., typifying or regarded as typifying scientists.
2. the belief that the assumptions and methods of the natural sciences are appropriate and essential to all other disciplines, including the humanities and the social sciences.
3. scientific or pseudoscientific language. —scientistic, adj.
the practice of discriminating against women in the offering of job opportunities, increases in salary, and other matters now generally considered to belong to women by right.
a personal disposition toward doubt or incredulity of facts, persons, or institutions. See also 312. PHILOSOPHY. —skeptic, n., adj. —skeptical, adj.
the double inclination to ape one’s superiors, often through vulgar ostentation, and to be proud and insolent with one’s inferiors. Also called snobbery. —snob, n. —snobby, snobbish, adj.
a devotion to the habits and qualities of the ancient Spartans, especially to an indomitable spirit, undaunted hardihood, and stark simplicity. —spartan, n., adj.
spectacularism
the state of being spectacular.
an attitude of resistance to change; extreme conservatism.
the views and behavior of one who tends to be affected by the emotional qualities of an event, argument, or problem. Also called subjectivity.
suburbanism
the doctrines and conduct of those who regard life in suburbia superior to life in cities or country.
formal or superficial compliance with a law, requirement, convention, etc., especially in the hiring of members of a minority group.
the tendency to submerge individual opinions or creativity in ideas or methods inherited from the past, distinguished from conventionalism in having reference more to the past than to the present. Also called traditionism. See also catholicism. —traditionalist, n.
concern over things that are common or unimportant. —triviality, n. —trivial, adj.
troglodytism
1. an outlook or activity suitable to a cave dweller, especially among primitive tribes.
2. the motivation or condition of a modern cave-dwelling recluse, especially one who has rejected normal society.
3. coarse, brutal behavior, thought to resemble that of a primitive cave dweller. —troglodyte, n. —troglodytic, adj.
1. an extremist point of view or act.
2. extremism. —ultraist, n., adj. —ultraistic, adj.
the state or condition of being out of sympathy with or against an ideal of American behavior, attitudes, beliefs, etc. —un-American, n., adj.
the views and behavior of those who champion urban living as superior to life elsewhere. Cf. ruralism, suburbanism. — urbanistic, adj.
vestryism
selfishness and parochialism said to be characteristic of rural parishioners. Also called vestrydom. —vestryish, adj.
vulturism
behavior or character typical of a vulture, especially in the sense of being rapacious. —vulturous, adj.
yokelism
1. the state or quality of being a yokel or country bumpkin.
2. behavior, language, etc, typical of a yokel.
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