different between legalistic vs legalism

English

Etymology

legal +? -istic

Adjective

legalistic (comparative more legalistic, superlative most legalistic)

1. Of a person, following the letter of the law.

   He's very legalistic, so let's hope the law is just and merciful as well as strict.

2. Of a person, tending to resort to the law, as one who sues frequently.

   His legalistic tendencies irritated his neighbors, especially since they had to defend themselves against his frivolous suits.

3. Practicing or characterized by legalism.

   She was legalistic in her observation of religious rules and traditions.

   the European Union is legalistic, bureaucratic and runs by precedent.

Related terms

• legalism
• legalist

See also

• literalist

Further reading

• legalistic at OneLook Dictionary Search

Anagrams

• legistical

English

Etymology

legal +? -ism

Noun

legalism (plural legalisms)

1. A philosophy of focusing on the text of written law to the exclusion of the intent of law, elevating strict adherence to law over justice, mercy, grace and common sense.
2. (religion) A doctrine of salvation by strictly adhering to the requirements of divine law.
3. A legal axiom, term or rule.

Antonyms

• antilegalism, anti-legalism
• antinomianism

Related terms

• legalist
• legalistic
• legalistically
• nonlegalism, non-legalism
• prolegalism, pro-legalism

Translations

See also

• aphorism
• law, Law
• literalism
• Torah
• statism

Anagrams

• Millages, megillas, millages