legalistic

English - English

Definition of legalistic in English English dictionary

Of a person, tending to resort to the law, as one who sues frequently

His legalistic tendancies irritated his neighbors, especially since they had to defend themselves against his frivolous suits.

Of a person, following the letter of the law

He's very legalistic, so let's hope the law is just and merciful as well as strict.

Practicing or characterized by legalism

She was legalistic in her observation of religious rules and traditions.

Describing one who follows the letter of the law

{s} tending to adhere to the law or to a particular set of rules

Describing one who tends to resort to the law, as one who sues frequently

disapproval If you say that someone's language or ideas are legalistic, you are criticizing them for paying too much attention to legal details. complicated legalistic language. his fussily legalistic mind. too concerned about small legal details

Related Terms

legalistically

In a legalistic manner; in a manner promoting legalism

legalistically

in a legalistic manner

Hyphenation

le·gal·is·tic

Turkish pronunciation

legılîstîk

Pronunciation

/ˌlegəˈləstək/ /ˌlɛɡəˈlɪstɪk/