parvanimity etymology

Etymology of "Parvanimity"

"Parvanimity" is a compound word derived from two Latin roots:

  • "Parvus" (meaning "small" or "insignificant")
  • "Animus" (meaning "mind" or "spirit")

Meaning of "Parvanimity"

"Parvanimity" refers to a state of mind characterized by insignificance, pettiness, or triviality. It describes a mindset that is preoccupied with minor details or unimportant matters, lacking in broad perspective or depth of thought.

Origin of "Parvanimity"

The word "parvanimity" emerged during the late 16th century in Renaissance England. It was first used by the English philosopher and theologian Richard Hooker in his work "The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity" (1593). Hooker employed the term to criticize the "parvanimity" of sectarian disputes that focused excessively on minute points of doctrine rather than fundamental principles.

Over time, "parvanimity" became adopted by other writers and thinkers to convey the idea of a narrow-minded or petty mindset. It continued to be used in English literature and philosophy throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, appearing in works by writers such as John Milton, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Johnson.

In contemporary usage, "parvanimity" is primarily used in a literary or philosophical context to describe individuals or behaviors that are preoccupied with trivial matters and lack broader vision or perspective.

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