manichaean

/ˌmænɪˈkiːən/
adjective
  1. Relating to a dualistic view of the world as a struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, with no middle ground.
    • The politician's Manichaean rhetoric divided the country into heroes and villains.
    • Her Manichaean worldview made it hard for her to see that people can have both good and bad qualities.
    • Some critics argue that the movie presents a Manichaean view of the conflict, ignoring any complexity.
  2. Relating to the ancient religion of Manichaeism, which taught a dualistic cosmology of good and evil.
    • The historian studied Manichaean texts found in the Egyptian desert.
    • Saint Augustine was a follower of Manichaean teachings before converting to Christianity.
    • Manichaean communities once flourished along the Silk Road.
Synonyms
noun
  1. A follower of the ancient religion of Manichaeism.
    • Missionaries spread Manichaean beliefs across Asia and Europe.
    • The emperor persecuted Manichaeans for their unorthodox views.
    • The Manichaeans believed that the material world was created by an evil force.
What does "manichaean" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean