Definition

The quality or characteristic of being like a cult, often involving strong devotion to a particular leader or set of beliefs.

Example

The cultishness of the group made many people uncomfortable with their extreme loyalty.

Conversation

Have you noticed the cultishness of that new social group on campus?

Yeah, it feels like they're trying too hard to recruit people.

I wonder if they realize how off-putting their cultishness can be to outsiders.

Probably not, but it's definitely a red flag for me.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cultishness → It is formed from "cult" (from Latin "cultus", meaning care or worship) and "-ish" (meaning having the quality of) and "-ness" (meaning the state or condition of). The word "cultishness" refers to the state or quality of being like a cult, often implying excessive devotion or unorthodox beliefs.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cult' as a group that shows 'care' or 'worship' and the suffixes '-ish' and '-ness' indicating a quality or state. This helps you remember that 'cultishness' describes the quality of being like a cult.

Visually Confused Words