[læ-tê-tyu-dê-'ne-ri-yên or læ-dê-]
Definition: Tolerating diversity of belief and behavior, particularly with reference to religion; favoring latitude in thought or conduct.
Usage: For decades we have been calling our intolerant neighbors "bigots." Did you ever wonder what the antonym of "bigot" is? Today's adjective may be used as a noun, as is, to fill this lacuna in many of our vocabularies. The other noun is "latitudinarianism."
Suggested Usage: Vociferous racial latitudinarians were effective in changing opinions of the Silent Majority in the 60s but the convictions of some latitudinarians were sorely tested after September 11. However, in this country, they will survive, so let us look for some new ways to use today's word. Have you ever felt like saying, "I'm as latitudinarian as the next mom but I draw the line at permitting tattoos on the bodies of people who came from my body without them."
Etymology: In England of the mid-1600s, the term was used abusively by High Church Anglicans to deprecate members who tolerated diverse religious views and wished reason to inform theological interpretations. Such offenders were called men of latitude. From Latin latitudo "width, geographical latitude" from latus "wide."
—Dr. Language, yourDictionary.com
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