particularism

[ per-tik-yuh-luh-riz-uhm, puh-tik- ]

noun

1. exclusive attention or devotion to one's own particular interests, party, etc.
2. the principle of leaving each state of a federation free to retain its laws and promote its interests.
3. Theology. the doctrine that divine grace is provided only for the elect.

particularism

/ pəˈtɪkjʊləˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. exclusive attachment to the interests of one group, class, sect, etc, esp at the expense of the community as a whole
2. the principle of permitting each state or minority in a federation the right to further its own interests or retain its own laws, traditions, etc
3. theol the doctrine that divine grace is restricted to the elect

Derived Forms

• parˈticularist, nounadjective
• parˌticularˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• par·ticu·lar·ist noun
• par·ticu·lar·istic adjective
• par·ticu·lar·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of particularism¹

From the French word particularisme, dating back to 1815–25. See particular, -ism

Example Sentences

“They are very much inherently universalists in a world where Judaism calls for particularism. They are figuring out how to navigate this. They’re comfortable in the space of ‘yes — and.’”

From Washington Post

That sort of particularism is anathema to the modern left — and quite properly so, they’d argue; an “us vs. them” mentality is responsible for most of the evils of the world.

From Washington Post

Astonishingly, Gordis reduces the Palestinian question to a footnote in which he grants that the arguments he makes about particularism also justify Palestinian nationalism, then declares such a discussion outside his purview.

From New York Times

Her sense of humor has a rooted particularism, and her comic timing is sharp.

From The New Yorker

Their stories precisely anticipate the tension today’s Jewish liberals experience trying to reconcile their own pro-Israel particularism and their social-justice universalism.

From New York Times