sectarian

English

WOTD – 4 April 2007

Etymology

From Medieval Latin sectarius + -an. Its corresponding etymology per the first sense is sect + -arian.

Pronunciation

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /sɛkˈtɛəɹi.ən/
  • (General American) IPA(key): /sɛkˈtɛɹi.ən/
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  • Rhymes: -ɛəɹiən

Adjective

sectarian (comparative more sectarian, superlative most sectarian)

  1. Of, relating to, or partial to a sect.
    We were discussing solutions to the sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shias.
  2. Dogmatic or partisan.
  3. Parochial or narrow-minded.
  4. Bigoted.

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

sectarian (plural sectarians)

  1. A member of a sect.
    • 1870, The Millennial Harbinger - Volume 41, page 423:
      An American sectarian, who has always lived within the high walls and in the close atmosphere of our intense sect-life here, and has always been accustomed to the dragonism of sect-authority and sect-jealousy, —is utterly amazed when for the first time he looks over his native sect-walls and comes to see the freedom of thought and utterance within the old churches of Europe.
  2. A bigot.

Translations

Anagrams

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