manichean

• Relatif au manichéisme, système religieux dualiste qui oppose radicalement le bien et le mal, la lumière et les ténèbres ; s'emploie souvent au sens figuré pour décrire une vision du monde ou une pensée qui simplifie les choses en termes binaires et antagonistes.

Relating to the dualistic religious system of Manichaeism, which posits a fundamental conflict between good and evil, light and darkness; often used metaphorically to describe a worldview that sees things in stark, opposing terms.

1. C2formal

   Of or relating to Manichaeism, a dualistic religious system founded by the prophet Mani in the 3rd century AD, which posits a fundamental conflict between good and evil, light and darkness.

   manichéen

   • The Manichean worldview divides the universe into opposing forces of good and evil.
   • Manichean beliefs heavily influenced early Christian and Islamic thought.
   • Scholars study Manichean texts to understand ancient dualistic philosophies.

   Synonymesmanichaean

2. Dualistic or polarizingC2formal

   Describing a perspective that sees things in terms of strict opposites, especially good versus evil, with no middle ground.

   manichéen (vision dualiste)

   • His Manichean view of politics reduces every issue to a battle between heroes and villains.
   • The film presents a Manichean conflict between the pure-hearted protagonist and the utterly corrupt antagonist.
   • A Manichean approach to morality can be overly simplistic and ignore nuance.

   Synonymesbinaryblack-and-whitedichotomousdualistic

• Nom désignant un adepte ou un partisan du manichéisme, système religieux dualiste fondé par le prophète Mani au IIIe siècle de notre ère.

A noun referring to a follower or adherent of Manichaeism, a dualistic religious system founded by the prophet Mani in the 3rd century CE.

nom propre

1. Adherent of ManichaeismC2formal

   A follower of Manichaeism, a dualistic religious system founded by the prophet Mani in the 3rd century CE, which teaches a struggle between light and darkness.

   manichéen

   • The Manicheans believed that the material world is a prison for the soul.
   • Augustine of Hippo was a Manichean before converting to Christianity.
   • The teachings of the Manicheans were considered heretical by many early Christian leaders.
   • Scholars have uncovered ancient Manichean texts in Central Asia.

   Synonymesmanichaeanmanichee

2. Dualist thinkerC1formal

   A person who views the world in terms of strict opposites, such as good versus evil, without middle ground.

   manichéen (penseur dualiste)

   • In his political analysis, he acts like a Manichean, dividing everyone into friends and enemies.
   • Modern Manicheans often refuse to acknowledge any moral complexity.
   • Her approach to the debate was that of a Manichean: there was only right and wrong.

   Synonymesdualistmanichaean