Attitudes


Attitudes

See also behavior; moods; psychology.
altruisma concern or regard for the needs of others, entirely without ulterior motive. — altruist, n. — altruistic, adj.amateurismthe views and principles of a person who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than profit. Cf. professionalism. — amateur, n.animosityan active dislike or energetic hostility that leads to strong opposition.antagonisma contentiousness toward or opposition to others or their ideas; hostility or antipathy. — antagonistic, adj.anti-Gallicanismdislike of or opposition to anything French. — anti-Gallican, anti-Gallic, adj.anti-Klanismopposition to the ideas and activities of the Ku Klux Klan.authoritarianism1. the habit of conduct, thought, and speech expressing total submission to rigid principles and rules.
2. the principles and views of the rule maker. — authoritarian, n., adj.autotheisma person’s elevation of himself into being his own god.Babbittismadherence to a rigidly conventional set of mores and aspirations. The salient characteristics are the drive for business success and the lack of culture. The model for the characterization is George Babbitt, chief protagonist of Sinclair Lewis’s novel, Babbitt. Also Babbittry.beatnikismattitudes or behavior typical of a beatnik or one who has rejected conventions of society.beauismthe tendency to give excessive attention to matters of dress and etiquette. — beauish, adj.bellicositya warlike or hostile attitude. — bellicose, adj.bigotryobtuse or narrow-minded intolerance, especially of other races or religions. — bigot, n. — bigoted, adj.bucolicismthe conduct and views suitable for a rural, rustic, or pastoral existence. — bucolic, bucolical, adj.centrismadherence to a middle-of-the-road position, neither left nor right, as in politics. — centrist, adj., n.complaisancethe quality or state of being agreeable, gracious, considerate, etc. — complaisant, adj.conformismthe act or practice of conforming, as to social convention, religious orthodoxy, or established political belief, — conformist, n., adj.constructionismthe use of or reliance on construction or constructive methods. — constructionist, n.controversialismthe relation to controversy or to a subject of controversy. — controversialist, n.conventionalisma variety of conduct and thought based solely upon the usages, opinions, and practices of one’s own society. — conventionalist, n.cosmopolitanismthe opinions and behavior emerging from the theory that cultural and artistic activities should have neither national nor parochial boundaries. — cosmopolitan, n., adj.cynicismthe holding or expressing of opinions that reveal disbelief and sometimes disdain for commonly held human values and virtues. Also called cynism. See also philosophy. — cynic, n. — cynical, adj.dandyismexcessive concern with matters of dress; foppishness. — dandy, n.defeatism1. the acceptance of defeat as a foregone conclusion and the resultant failure to make an effort to succeed.
2. the views underlying acceptance of the frustration or thwarting of a goal, especially by the failure to prevent them. Cf. futilitarianism. — defeatist, n., adj.didacticismthe views and conduct of one who intends to teach, often in a pedantic or contemptuous manner, both factual and moral material. — didact, n. — didactic, adj.die-hardismthe attitudes or behavior of one who stubbornly holds on to something, as an outdated view, untenable position, etc. — die-hard, n., adj.egoisman extreme individualism; thought and behavior based upon the premise that one’s individual self is the highest product, if not the totality, of existence. Cf. individualism. — egoist, n. — egoistic, adj.egotismthe practice of thought, speech, and conduct expressing high self-regard or self-exaltation, usually without skepticism or humility. — egotist, n. — egotistical, adj.elitismthe attitude that government should be by those who consider themselves superior to others by virtue of intelligence, social status, or greater accomplishment.emotionalisman undue influence of feelings upon thought and behavior. — emotionalist, n. — emotionalistic, adj.equanimitycalmness of temperament; even-temperedness. — equanimous, adj.eremitism1. the state of being a hermit.
2. an attitude favoring solitude and seclusion. — eremite, n. — eremitic, adj.ethicisma conscious tendency to moralize.externalismattention paid to outward or outside matters, especially in religious affairs. — externalist, n.extremism1. the condition or act of taking an extreme view.
2. the taking of extreme action. — extremist, n., adj.fanaticisman extreme and uncritical zeal or enthusiasm, as in religion or politics. — fanatic, n., adj. — fanatical, adj.fatalismthe viewpoints of believers in the doctrine that all things are determined by the nature of existence and beyond human influence. — fatalist, n. — fatalistic, adj.faustianismspiritual or intellectual dissatisfaction combined with a desire for power or material advantage. After Johann Faust (c. 1480-c. 1538), German scholar portrayed by Marlowe and Goethe. — faustian, adj.feminisman attitude favoring the movement to eliminate political, social, and professional discrimination against women. — feminist, n., adj. — feministic, adj.finalismthe belief in final causes. — finalist, n.finicalismRare. a conscious and sometimes affected fastidiousness and undue concern with trifles, especially those affecting elegance.finicalnessan undue fastidiousness or overniceness. Also called finicality, finicism. — finical, adj.finicismRare. finicalness.fogyism, fogeyisman adherence to old-fashioned or conservative ideas and intolerance of change, often coupled with dullness or slowness of personality. — fogyish, fogeyish, adj.formulismthe basing of behavior and thinking upon existent categories, formulas, or systems of formulas; traditionalism. — formulist, n. — formulistic, adj.fossilismbehavior typical of an earlier time; old-fashioned or stuffy attitudes.futilitarianisma belief in the uselessness of human endeavor and aspiration. Cf. defeatism. — futilitarian, n., adj.gigmanismRare. the habit of narrowmindedness, or philistinism.girouettismthe practice of frequently altering one’s opinions or principles to follow popular trends.gourmetismthe theories and standards of connoisseurs in eating and drinking. Also called gourmandism.Grundyismthe censorship of personal conduct based upon narrow and unintelligent conventionalism. — Grundyist, Grundyite, n.hidalgoismthe characteristics of a member of the Spanish lower nobility.hypersensitivityextreme or abnormal sensitivity, as to criticism. — hypersensitive, adj.imaginationalisman attitude of mind in which the imagination dominates. — imaginational, adj.impossibilisma defeatist attitude; the belief that all things are impossible.impudicitylack of shame or modesty.indeterminismthe quality of not being clearly established or fixed. — indeterminist, n. — indeterministic, adj.indifferentismthe condition of being indifferent or of having no preference. See also philosophy; religion. — indifferentist, n.individualismthe practice of independence in thought and action on the premise that the development and expression of an individual character and personality are of the utmost importance. Cf. egoism. — individualist, n. — individualistic, adj.insouciancelack of care or concern; a lighthearted attitude. — insouciant, adj.jocunditythe quality or condition of being merry or cheerful. — jocund, adj.jovialistObsolete, a person who leads a merry life.Klanismthe beliefs and practices of members of the Ku Klux Klan. Also called Ku Kluxism, Ku Kluxery.Laodiceanismthe quality of being indifferent in politics or religion.latitudinarianismtolerance or broadmindedness, especially in matters of religion; the liberal interpretation of beliefs or doctrines. — latitudinarian, n., adj.lenitythe quality or condition of being gentle or merciful. — lenient, adj.levityfrivolous or lighthearted behavior or attitude; an unserious approach to life. See also humor.maidism1. the state or quality of being a maid, a young or unmarried woman.
2. behavior or attitude typical of maidism.malismthe conviction that the world is evil.mansuetudethe state or quality of being gentle or mild.masculinism1. masculinity.
2. an attempt to protect masculine traits and qualities against the assaults of militant feminism. Cf. feminism.megalopsychyObsolete, generosity of spirit or magnanimity.mercuriality1. the state or quality of having a lively, fickle, volatile, or erratic attitude or character.
2. an instance of such behavior. — mercurial, adj.militancy1. the state or condition of being combative or disposed to fight.
2. the active championing of a cause or belief. — militant, n., adj.misandry, misandriaan extreme dislike of males, frequently based upon unhappy experience or upbringing. Cf. misogynism.misanthropya hatred of mankind; pessimistic distrust of human nature expressed in thought and behavior. Cf. philanthropy. — misanthrope, misanthropist, n. — misanthropic, adj.misogynism, misogynyan extreme dislike of females, frequently based upon unhappy experience or upbringing. Cf. misandry.misosophyRare. a hatred of wisdom. — misosophist, n.morbiditythe state or quality of being excessively gloomy. — morbid, adj.mordancythe quality or state of being sarcastic or caustic. — mordant, adj.morositythe quality or state of being excessively sullen or gloomy. — morose, adj.munichisman attitude that favors appeasement.munificencethe quality of being exceedingly generous; lavish generosity. — munificent, adj.namby-pambyismweak or insipid behavior or attitude. — namby-pamby, n.neanderthalismadherence to or advocacy of crude outmoded views, practices, etc. — neanderthal, adj.negativism1. an attitude characterized by an unwillingness to follow suggestions or orders, as in children.
2. a pessimistic approach to life. See also philosophy. — negativist, n., adj., — negativistic, adj.neoconservatisma new movement in conservatism, usually seen as a move further to the right of the position currently occupied by conservatives in politics or in attitudes. — neoconservative, n., adj.nice-nellyism, nice-Nellyisman inordinate degree of modesty or prudishness, or the appearance of such characteristics. See also language styles. — nice-nelly, — nice-Nelly, n.nihilismtotal rejection of established attitudes, practices, and institutions. — nihilist, n. — nihilistic, adj.nonconformisma deliberate and conscious refusal to conform to conventional practices or patterns of behavior. — nonconformist, n. — nonconformity, n.obduracythe state or condition of being obstinate or hardhearted. — obdurate, adj.objectivismviews and behavior that are not moved by the emotional content of an event, argument, or problem. Also objectivity.obsequencethe desire, willingness, or eagerness to oblige, serve, please, etc.; obsequiousness. — obsequent, adj.odium1. hatred.
2. the infamy or opprobrium brought on by being hated or by hateful behavior. — odious, adj.overoptimisman excessive and usually groundless optimism. — overoptimist, n. — overoptimistic, adj.parochialismnarrowness or pettiness of interests, opinions, or information. — parochialist, n.parvanimitysmallness or pettiness of mind.passivism1. the state or quality of being inactive, of not participating.
2. the doctrine or advocacy of a passive policy, as passive resistance. — passivist, n.perfectibilismthe attitude that anything short of perfection is unacceptable. — perfectibilist, n.perfectionism1. the religious or philosophical aspiration to be perfect in moral character.
2. a personality trait manifested by the rejection of personal achievements falling short of perfection, often leading to distress and self-condemnation. — perfectionist, n. — perfectionistic, adj.pessimisma depressed and melancholy viewpoint manifested as a disposition to hold the least hopeful opinion of conditions or behavior. See also philosophy. — pessimist, n. — pessimistic, adj.petulance1. the condition or quality of being irritable, peevish, or impatient.
2. an irritable or peevish statement or action. Also petulancy. — petulant, adj.philanthropya deliberate affection for mankind, shown in contributions of money, property, or work for the benefit of others. Cf. misanthropy. — philanthropist, n. — philanthropic, adj.philistinismthe opinions, goals, and conduct of persons deficient in liberal culture. — philistine, n., adj.philopaterObsolete. 1. one who loves his father.
2. one who loves his country.plerophorya state or quality of full confidence or absolute certainty.pococurantismindifference; nonchalance.Pollyannaismblind or excessive optimism, after the character Pollyanna, created by American writer Eleanor Porter (1868-1920).precisionisman insistence upon perfection in language, morals, or ritual. — precisionist, n. — precisionistic, adj.professionalismthe standards, views, and behavior of one who engages in an activity, especially sports or the arts, to make his livelihood. Cf. amateurism. — professional, n., adj.protervitypeevishness.pudencymodesty or shyness; embarrassment.pudicitymodesty, especially chastity or chastefulness.racism1. a belief that human races have distinctive characteristics that determine their respective cultures, usually involving the idea that one’s race is superior and has the right to control others.
2. a belief in a policy of enforcing the asserted right of control. — racist, n., adj.ritualismceremonialism. — ritualist, n. — ritualistic, adj.rubricisma tenacious adherence to rules of behavior or thought; formulism. — rubrician, n.ruralismthe motivations for exalting country above city living. — ruralist, n.sanguinitythe quality or condition of being ardent, confident, or optimistic. — sanguine, adj.scientism1. Often Disparaging. the style, assumptions, techniques, practices, etc., typifying or regarded as typifying scientists.
2. the belief that the assumptions and methods of the natural sciences are appropriate and essential to all other disciplines, including the humanities and the social sciences.
3. scientific or pseudoscientific language. — scientistic, adj.sexismthe practice of discriminating against women in the offering of job opportunities, increases in salary, and other matters now generally considered to belong to women by right.skepticism, scepticisma personal disposition toward doubt or incredulity of facts, persons, or institutions. See also 312. PHILOSOPHY. — skeptic, n., adj. — skeptical, adj.snobbismthe double inclination to ape one’s superiors, often through vulgar ostentation, and to be proud and insolent with one’s inferiors. Also called snobbery. — snob, n. — snobby, snobbish, adj.spartanisma devotion to the habits and qualities of the ancient Spartans, especially to an indomitable spirit, undaunted hardihood, and stark simplicity. — spartan, n., adj.spectacularismthe state of being spectacular.standpattisman attitude of resistance to change; extreme conservatism.subjectivismthe views and behavior of one who tends to be affected by the emotional qualities of an event, argument, or problem. Also called subjectivity.suburbanismthe doctrines and conduct of those who regard life in suburbia superior to life in cities or country.tokenismformal or superficial compliance with a law, requirement, convention, etc., especially in the hiring of members of a minority group.traditionalismthe tendency to submerge individual opinions or creativity in ideas or methods inherited from the past, distinguished from conventionalism in having reference more to the past than to the present. Also called traditionism. See also catholicism. — traditionalist, n.trivialismconcern over things that are common or unimportant. — triviality, n. — trivial, adj.troglodytism1. an outlook or activity suitable to a cave dweller, especially among primitive tribes.
2. the motivation or condition of a modern cave-dwelling recluse, especially one who has rejected normal society.
3. coarse, brutal behavior, thought to resemble that of a primitive cave dweller. — troglodyte, n. — troglodytic, adj.ultraism1. an extremist point of view or act.
2. extremism. — ultraist, n., adj. — ultraistic, adj.un-Americanismthe state or condition of being out of sympathy with or against an ideal of American behavior, attitudes, beliefs, etc. — un-American, n., adj.urbanismthe views and behavior of those who champion urban living as superior to life elsewhere. Cf. ruralism, suburbanism. — urbanistic, adj.vestryismselfishness and parochialism said to be characteristic of rural parishioners. Also called vestrydom. — vestryish, adj.vulturismbehavior or character typical of a vulture, especially in the sense of being rapacious. — vulturous, adj.yokelism1. the state or quality of being a yokel or country bumpkin.
2. behavior, language, etc, typical of a yokel.