constructionism

American  

[kuhn-struhk-shuhn-iz-uhm] / kənˈstrʌk ʃənˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the practice of construing or interpreting a document, especially a legal document, in a particular way or using a particular approach.

2. Philosophy. the belief or doctrine that human knowledge and belief are not inherent but constructed from experience.

3. Sociology. social constructionism.

4. Fine Arts. constructivism.

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Other Word Forms

• constructionist noun

Example Sentences

Appealing to Virginia’s Old Republicans by implying a revival of strict constructionism, Van Buren vowed to brand his opponents as Federalists, a role that fit John Quincy Adams perfectly.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

Clearly, he is very conservative—a judge who adheres to Scalian constructionism and Chicago School economics.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 2, 2017

Constitution and strict constructionism, both characteristic of his libertarian background.

From Scientific American • Jan. 3, 2012

They thereby created a new interpretation of Jewish practice, a strict constructionism that was itself a product of modernity.

From Slate • Nov. 8, 2011

From its strict constructionism sprung, further, its hostility to internal improvements; from this and from its regard to agriculture and commerce resulted its dislike to restrictive tariffs.

From History of the United States, Volume 2 by Andrews, Elisha Benjamin