A Word A Day : Fanatic



Saturday, 12th April 2008 : Today's Word is ...

Fanatic




( Adjective & Noun )



Pronunciation : fa-náttik


Definition:



1. a holder of extreme or irrational enthusiasms or beliefs, especially in religion or politics

2. somebody who is very enthusiastic about a pastime or hobby

3. holding especially political views that deviate drastically and fundamentally from conventional or traditional beliefs

4. overly enthusiastic or devoted to an ideal


Etymology:


Latin fānāticus, inspired by orgiastic rites, pertaining to a temple, from fānum, temple


Synonyms:


activist, addict, bigot, bug, crank, crazy, demon, devotee, enthusiast, extremist, fiend, fool, freak, maniac, militant, monomaniac, nut, radical, ultraist, visionary, zealot, overenthusiast


Antonyms:


naysayer, unbeliever


Contextual Examples:


• If you pick a truth and follow it blindly. It becomes a falsehood, and you a fanatic.

• Strickland had the directness of the fanatic and the ferocity of the apostle.

• Then the miserable fanatic must be found who will serve as an instrument of God's justice.

• A fanatic like Cornelius might very easily have found another fanatic who would give a hundred guilders for his remains.


Related Words:


fanaticism : Noun

fanatical : Adjective


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