syncretism

syn·cre·tism  (sngkr-tzm, sn-)

n.

1. Reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief, as in philosophy or religion, especially when success is partial or the result is heterogeneous.

2. Linguistics The merging of two or more originally different inflectional forms.

---

[Greek sunkrtismos, union, from sunkrtizein, to unite (in the manner of the Cretan cities) : sun-, syn- + Krs, Krt-, Cretan.]

---

syn·cretic (-krtk), syncre·tistic (-kr-tstk) adj.

syncre·tist n.

---

syncretism

the attempted reconciliation of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion. — syncretic, syncretical, syncretistic, syncretistical, adj.

See also: Philosophy

---

the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, parties, or denominations, as in the late 19th- and 20th-century discussions between Anglo-Catholics and Roman authorities. — syncretic, syncretical, syncretistic, syncretistical, adj.

See also: Protestantism

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	syncretism - the union (or attempted fusion) of different systems of thought or belief (especially in religion or philosophy); "a syncretism of material and immaterial theories" unification, union - the state of being joined or united or linked; "there is strength in union"
	2.	syncretism - the fusion of originally different inflected forms (resulting in a reduction in the use of inflections) fusion - the merging of adjacent sounds or syllables or words