Manichean

American  

[man-i-kee-uhn] / ˌmæn ɪˈki ən /

Or Manichaean

noun

1. Also Manichee an adherent of the dualistic religious system of Manes, a combination of Gnostic Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and various other elements, with a basic doctrine of a conflict between light and dark, matter being regarded as dark and evil.

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adjective

1. of or relating to the Manicheans or their doctrines.

Other Word Forms

• Manicheanism noun
• Manicheism noun

Etymology

Origin of Manichean

1300–50; Middle English Maniche (< Late Latin Manichaeus < Late Greek Manichaîos of Manes) + -an

Example Sentences

A strength of “Bird School” is the author’s appreciation of paradox not as a Manichean struggle but as a condition of life.

From The Wall Street Journal

And that escalation comes amid growing global instability contributing to a Manichean world of antagonistic armed blocs, reminiscent of the Cold War at its worst.

From Salon

So the N-word, regardless of its current chic hip hop-speak, is perennially a double-edged sword, thoroughly Manichean, with Jekyll and Hyde properties.

From Salon

The Yazidis are an ancient religious minority who combine Zoroastrian, Christian, Manichean, Jewish and Muslim beliefs.

From Reuters

IS viewed the Yazidis as devil worshippers for their faith that combines Zoroastrian, Christian, Manichean, Jewish and Muslim beliefs.

From Reuters