What does "confucianism" mean?
The philosophy and teaching of Confucius, which emphasizes self-cultivation, collective harmony, righteousness and the family structure.
Confucianism
noun
noun ·5 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The philosophy and teaching of Confucius, which emphasizes self-cultivation, collective harmony, righteousness and the family structure.
- Grammar: confucianism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: chinese philosophy school, cultural tradition, denomination, educational tradition.
- Useful contrasts: anarchy, nonconfucianism, secularism.
- Usage evidence: "What?" Pharamp asked. "Nothing," Sysko lied, "we were talking about the effect of Confucianism on modern Chinese socialism."
How to use "confucianism"
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Meaning check
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Source and review context
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 The philosophy and teaching of Confucius, which emphasizes self-cultivation, collective harmony, righteousness and the family structure. countable, uncountable
"A third important part of Confucianism is the concept of chun tzu or "ideal gentlemanly behavior." Confucius believed that the ideal man "is kind and upholds moral principles. He is a man who loves learning, who is calm and perfectly at ease and constantly careful of his own conduct, believing that by example he has great influence over society.""
- 2 the teachings of Confucius emphasizing love for humanity; high value given to learning and to devotion to family (including ancestors); peace; justice; influenced the traditional culture of China wordnet
- 3 The school of thought and philosophy centered on Confucian principles, originating in China, including later teachings of scholars such as Zhu Xi (Chu Hsi). countable, uncountable
"The Chinese New Year holiday period, being disrupted this year by the outbreak of a viral illness, has evolved over more than 3,000 years to become the most important of China’s traditional festivals. As celebrated in China and in many other places where its known as the Lunar New Year, it is largely a secular holiday, yet it includes rituals and traditions that derive from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, as well as from ancient myths and folk religions."
- 4 A saying, epithet or idea attributed to Confucius. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonyms chinese philosophy schoolcultural traditiondenominationeducational traditionethical doctrineethical system
Antonyms
Example
""What?" Pharamp asked. "Nothing," Sysko lied, "we were talking about the effect of Confucianism on modern Chinese socialism.""
Common questions
What is a synonym for "confucianism"?
Common synonyms include: chinese philosophy school, cultural tradition, denomination, educational tradition, ethical doctrine, ethical system.
How do you use "confucianism" in a sentence?
"What?" Pharamp asked. "Nothing," Sysko lied, "we were talking about the effect of Confucianism on modern Chinese socialism."
Etymology
From Confucian + -ism.