Word

relativism

noun C1

UK /ˈrɛlətɪvɪzəm/

US /ˈrɛləˌtɪvɪzəm/

Meanings

noun

the belief that truth, morality, or standards are not absolute but depend on context, culture, or viewpoint

noun

in philosophy, the theory that knowledge or meaning is shaped by a particular framework or perspective rather than being completely objective

relativism: in philosophy, the theory that knowledge or meaning is shaped by a particular framework or perspective rather th…

Definition

Relativism is the view that what is true, right, or meaningful can depend on context, culture, or perspective rather than being absolute.

Relativism is the idea that judgments about truth, morality, or knowledge are not universal and may vary across cultures, historical periods, or individuals. It suggests that we often need to consider background assumptions and social norms before deciding what something means or whether it is correct. In academic discussion, it is frequently contrasted with the belief that there are objective, context-free standards.

Examples

In the seminar, she argued that relativism helps explain why moral debates rarely end in full agreement.
He criticized relativism for making it difficult to condemn cruelty across cultures without sounding inconsistent.
They approached the novel through relativism, focusing on how each character’s values make sense within that character’s world.
I worry that relativism can be misused to avoid taking responsibility for harmful choices.
You can discuss relativism without denying facts by separating empirical claims from moral judgments.

Common mistake

Learners often use relativism as if it means “tolerance,” but it specifically refers to context-dependent standards, not necessarily approval or acceptance.