-ləˌrizəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: French particularisme, from Late Latin particularis particular + French -isme -ism
1. : exclusive or special devotion to something particular (as an interest, subject, party, sect)
bourgeois individualism … in France took the form of a family particularism — Malcolm Cowley
an intense particularism that did not welcome outside influences — American Guide Series: Connecticut
the forces of particularism are dominant and academic recognition is awarded the specialist — W.W.Stewart
2. : a theological doctrine that redemption through Christ is provided only for the elect
3. : a political theory or practice advocating a right and freedom for each politically conscious or organized group (as a minority group in a country of several groups or a state in a federation) to promote its own interests and especially independence without regard to the interests of larger groups
there is no nation … only particularism in nine small localities — Nathaniel Peffer
that country will be hampered … by the existence of strong regional particularism — Current History
— compare nationalism , states' rights
4. : a tendency to explain complex social phenomena in terms of a single causative factor
5. : a logical system based on particulars