syncretism

[ sing-kri-tiz-uhm, sin- ]

noun

1. the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion.
2. Grammar. the merging, as by historical change in a language, of two or more categories in a specified environment into one, as, in nonstandard English, the use of was with both singular and plural subjects, while in standard English was is used with singular subjects (except for you in the second person singular) and were with plural subjects.

syncretism

/ sɪŋˈkrɛtɪk; ˈsɪŋkrɪˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the tendency to syncretize
2. the historical tendency of languages to reduce their use of inflection, as in the development of Old English with all its case endings into Modern English

Derived Forms

• syncretic, adjective
• ˈsyncretist, noun

Other Words From

• syn·cret·ic [sin-, kret, -ik], syn·cret·i·cal syn·cre·tis·tic [sing-kri-, tis, -tik, sin-], adjective
• syn·cre·tist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of syncretism¹

First recorded in 1610–20; from New Latin syncretismus, from Greek synkrētismós “union of Cretans,” i.e., a united front of two opposing parties against a common foe, derivative of synkrēt(ízein) “to form a confederation” ( syncretize ) + -ismos noun suffix ( -ism )

Word History and Origins

Origin of syncretism¹

C17: from New Latin syncrētismus, from Greek sunkrētismos alliance of Cretans, from sunkrētizein to join forces (in the manner of the Cretan towns), from syn- + Krēs a Cretan

Example Sentences

The island he depicts in his books — which have been translated to dozens of languages — is a mix of economic deprivation, Afro-descendant syncretism, corruption, mischief, uplifting music and growing inequality — all seasoned by a revolution that marked the 20th century.

From Seattle Times

The dances, which reflect Mexican syncretism, went on for hours.

From Los Angeles Times

Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s great visual spectacles — and a celebration of cultural syncretism.

From Seattle Times

He said 94% of the parents he studied embraced “a disparate, irreconcilable collection of beliefs” he called syncretism.

From Washington Times

“As a nation, we may be past the danger of COVID-19, but we’re in the thick of the danger brought about by people relying upon syncretism as their dominant worldview,” Mr. Barna said.

From Washington Times