Basic Details
Word: Legalistic
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Strictly following the law or rules, often too much so, without considering fairness or common sense.
Synonyms: Rigid, formal, procedural
Antonyms: Flexible, lenient, easy-going
Idioms and Phrases
- Legalistic approach: Following rules very strictly without flexibility. Example: "His legalistic approach to the project made it difficult for the team to adapt to changes."
- By the book: To do something exactly according to the rules. Example: "The teacher insisted we do our assignments by the book to keep everything fair."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Her legalistic viewpoint prevented her from seeing the human side of the situation.
Example 2: The committee's legalistic methods often seemed unfair to those seeking help.
Example 3: He followed the rules in a very legalistic manner, which made him unpopular among his peers.
Fun Fact
The word "legalistic" comes from the Latin word "legalis," which means "lawful." It evolved in the 17th century to describe a rigid adherence to the law.
Famous Quote
"The law is reason, free from passion." Aristotle
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "legalistic" mean?
a) Too relaxed about rules
b) Strictly following rules and laws
c) Ignoring rules altogether
d) Only considering feelings
Answer: b) Strictly following rules and laws
2. Which of these is a synonym of "legalistic"?
a) Flexible
b) Rigid
c) Easy-going
d) Casual
Answer: b) Rigid
3. Which word is an antonym of "legalistic"?
a) Procedural
b) Rigid
c) Lenient
d) Formal
Answer: c) Lenient
4. Which sentence uses "legalistic" correctly?
a) The legalistic rules allowed for creativity in the project.
b) She took a legalistic approach that ignored the people's needs.
c) His legalistic nature made him very popular.
d) The legalistic process was cancelled due to weather conditions.
Answer: b) She took a legalistic approach that ignored the people's needs.
5. What does "by the book" mean?
a) Ignoring the rules
b) Taking a strict approach to rules
c) Writing a story
d) A playful attitude
Answer: b) Taking a strict approach to rules
