What does "paternalism" mean?
The treatment of people in a fatherly manner, especially by caring for them and sometimes being stern with them.
Paternalism
/pəˈtɝnəlɪzəm/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The treatment of people in a fatherly manner, especially by caring for them and sometimes being stern with them.
- Grammar: paternalism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: absolutism, autarchy, babying, clinical benevolence.
- Useful contrasts: autonomy, employee autonomy, freedom.
- Usage evidence: When one announces "My my Tacubaya, if you don't know there don't go there", what this person actually refers to is the absence of governmental paternalism, and in certain areas of the capital, compels others to not attend those places they are unfamiliar with, where they are unaware of the terrain.
How to use "paternalism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "paternalism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "paternalism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "paternalism" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "paternalism" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "paternalism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "absolutism" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "paternalism", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The treatment of people in a fatherly manner, especially by caring for them and sometimes being stern with them. countable, uncountable
"Libertarian paternalism is the view that, because the way options are presented to citizens affects what they choose, society should present options in a way that “nudges” our intuitive selves to make choices that are more consistent with what our more deliberative selves would have chosen if they were in control."
- 2 the attitude (of a person or a government) that subordinates should be controlled in a fatherly way for their own good wordnet
- 3 The guiding of people in a manner that limits their autonomy in the name of their own well-being. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"When one announces "My my Tacubaya, if you don't know there don't go there", what this person actually refers to is the absence of governmental paternalism, and in certain areas of the capital, compels others to not attend those places they are unfamiliar with, where they are unaware of the terrain."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "paternalism"?
Common synonyms include: absolutism, autarchy, babying, clinical benevolence, control, despotism.
How do you use "paternalism" in a sentence?
When one announces "My my Tacubaya, if you don't know there don't go there", what this person actually refers to is the absence of governmental paternalism, and in certain areas of the capital, compels others to not attend those places they are unfamiliar with, where they are unaware of the terrain.
How do you pronounce "paternalism"?
Pronounced /pəˈtɝnəlɪzəm/.
Etymology
From paternal + -ism.