quietism

noun

qui·​et·​ism ˈkwī-ə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce quietism (audio)
1
a
: a system of religious mysticism teaching that perfection and spiritual peace are attained by annihilation of the will and passive absorption in contemplation of God and divine things
b
: a passive withdrawn attitude or policy toward the world or worldly affairs
2
: a state of calmness or passivity
quietist
ˈkwī-ə-tist How to pronounce quietism (audio)
adjective or noun
quietistic
ˌkwī-ə-ˈti-stik How to pronounce quietism (audio)
adjective

Examples of quietism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the end of The Fraud, Eliza encounters Mr. Bogle’s son Henry, who has grown disgusted with his father’s quietism and become a political radical. — Adam Kirsch, Harper's Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023 Moral relativism doesn't imply moral quietism. — Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 May 2010

Word History

Etymology

quiet entry 1 + -ism, after quietist "practitioner of quietism," probably borrowed from Italian quietista, from quiete quiet entry 1 + -ista -ist entry 1 (perhaps after Spanish oración de quietud, literally, "prayer of quiet," phrase used by the mystics Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross)

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of quietism was in 1687

Rhymes for quietism

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Cite this Entry

“Quietism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quietism. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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