know-nothingism

know-nothingism
\\-ŋˌizəm\ noun (-s)
1. usually capitalized K&N : the principles and policies of the 19th century Know-Nothings
2. : the fact or condition of knowing nothing or of desiring to know nothing or the conviction that nothing can be known with certitude especially in religion or morality

an ethical know-nothingism in which there is no longer any certainty … as to what is and what is not evil — F.B.Millett

3. sometimes capitalized K&N : a political attitude or philosophy of the mid-twentieth century characterized chiefly by anti-intellectualism and exaggerated patriotism and by fear of foreign and subversive influences

fighting the battle inside the government against the forces of hysteria and know-nothingism — Reed Harris


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Know-nothingism — Know noth ing*ism, n. The doctrines, principles, or practices, of the Know nothings. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • know-nothingism — know noth·ing·ism …   English syllables

  • know-nothingism — noun Date: 1854 1. capitalized K&N the principles and policies of the Know Nothings 2. the condition of knowing nothing or desiring to know nothing or the conviction that nothing can be known with certainty especially in religion or morality 3.… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • know-nothingism — See know nothing. * * * …   Universalium

  • know-nothingism — principles or practices of the secret American political group the Know nothings …   English contemporary dictionary

  • know-nothing — know nothingism, n. /noh nuth ing/, n. 1. an ignorant or totally uninformed person; ignoramus. 2. an agnostic. 3. (caps.) U.S. Hist. a member of a political party (American party or Know Nothing party) prominent from 1853 to 1856, whose aim was… …   Universalium

  • Know Nothing — American Party Citizen Know Nothing The Know Nothing Party s nativist ideal Founded 1845 ( …   Wikipedia

  • know-nothing — I. ˈnōˌnəthiŋ, thēŋ adjective 1. : extremely ignorant a know nothing blunderer 2. often capitalized K&N : of, relating to, or characterized by know nothingism the Know Nothing party … proposed the political proscription of Roman Catholics… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Know Nothing — Ciudadano Know Nothing, imagen del ideal del partido. El movimiento Know Nothing (lit. Saber nada ) fue un movimiento político estadounidense predominantemente nativista de las décadas de 1840 y 1850. Surgió inspirado por el temor hacia los… …   Wikipedia Español

  • know-nothing — noun 1》 an ignorant person. 2》 (Know Nothing) a member of a 19th century US political party which was antagonistic towards immigrants, and whose members denied its existence. Derivatives know nothingism noun …   English new terms dictionary

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