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View synonyms for quietism

quietism

[ kwahy-i-tiz-uhm ]

noun

  1. a form of religious mysticism taught by Molinos, a Spanish priest, in the latter part of the 17th century, requiring extinction of the will, withdrawal from worldly interests, and passive meditation on God and divine things; Molinism.
  2. some similar form of religious mysticism.
  3. mental or bodily repose or passivity.


quietism

/ ˈkwaɪəˌtɪzəm /

noun

  1. a form of religious mysticism originating in Spain in the late 17th century, requiring withdrawal of the spirit from all human effort and complete passivity to God's will
  2. a state of passivity and calmness of mind towards external events
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˈquietist, nounadjective
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Other Words From

  • quiet·ist noun adjective
  • quiet·istic adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of quietism1

First recorded in 1680–90, quietism is from the Italian word quietismo originally, prayer in a state of quietude. See quiet, -ism
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Example Sentences

After 10 years in which Orbán’s grip on civil society has been relentlessly strengthened, Faludy says: “At best, the churches have chosen quietism rather than prophetic vocation.”

To their children, this position seems like unforgivable quietism and complacency.

Because feckless but sweet peace-and-love quietism seldom makes going on a killing spree look like the obvious next step, equating the Manson “family” with hippies in general is obviously a fallacy.

However, there are those who have accused it of the sin of “quietism,” of a resigned acceptance, even, according to Anthony Burgess, an “evasion” of the worst things in the world.

It wasn’t just a matter of quietism and contemplation.

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