Word of the Day: SYNCRETISM
Union or amalgamation
syncretism (noun) - a blending or merging of different and potentially conflicting beliefs, traditions, philosophies, or linguistic elements
BREAKDOWN: SYN- (together) + CRAS- (mixture) + -ISM (state or practice)
syncretize means to unite, amalgamate, or reconcile different or opposing elements or attempt to do so
syncretic means of, pertaining to, or marked by a mixture of different elements, practices, or principles or (also syncretistic and syncretical)
See also: idiosyncrasy
“Those who rove freely through the various traditions, accepting what they can use and rejecting what they cannot, are condemned as undisciplined syncretists. But the use of one’s reason is not a lack of discipline, not is there any important religion which is not itself a syncretism, a growing up together of ideas and practices of diverse origin.” —Alan W. Watts
[Fun Word Friday introduces more advanced or technical words that are based on word roots. Yes, these words may still be tested on standardized exams. Try to use this word in a sentence today!]
Good word! As in Easter egg hunts and Christmas trees inducted into the Christian tradition! :-)