Ism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ism
[ËÉĒz(É)m ]
Definitions
philosophy, politics
The suffix 'ism' is used to form nouns that refer to distinct practices, systems, or philosophies. It often denotes a movement or ideology, such as socialism, capitalism, or feminism.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He studied socialism in college.
- Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness and meditation.
- Feminism advocates for women's rights.
- Communism aims for a classless society.
art, style
'Ism' can also refer to various artistic movements or styles, such as impressionism or modernism, which characterize specific periods or philosophies in art.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Impressionism captured light and movement.
- Modernism challenged traditional artistic forms.
- Baroqueism is known for its dramatic use of light.
- Cubism redefined perspectives in visual art.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Different 'isms' represent various schools of thought, such as Materialism, which emphasizes the physical world over the spiritual.
- Idealism suggests that reality is mentally constructed, emphasizing ideas over material objects.
- Every major philosophical movement reflects a distinct worldview, influencing countless academic fields and life approaches.
Cultural Impact
- 'Isms' such as feminism and racism highlight social movements focused on rights and justice.
- The rise of modern art movements, categorized by 'isms' like Impressionism and Surrealism, has shaped artistic expression into new forms.
- In politics, isms such as capitalism and socialism propose varying economic systems that influence governments worldwide.
Psychology
- Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals hold contradicting isms, often leading to psychological stress.
- Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors rather than unobservable inner thoughts or beliefs, a concept developing within psychological isms.
- Labels provided by different isms can influence identity formation, shaping how people see themselves and their roles in society.
Science
- In biology, essentialism is the view that organisms have an essence that makes them what they are, influencing taxonomy and classification.
- Environmentalism emerged as a response to environmental degradation, advocating for the protection of nature and sustainable practices.
- Reductionism approaches complex phenomena by breaking them down into simpler parts, affecting how researchers study various scientific disciplines.
Origin of 'ism'
Main points about word origin
- 'Ism' comes from Greek, specifically from the suffix '-ismos', which indicates a state or condition.
- The term has been used since the late 14th century in English to label various doctrines and movements.
- It can often turn a simple idea into a larger concept, like turning 'art' into 'artism' to discuss artistic styles.
The term 'ism' derives from the Greek suffix '-ismos', which was used to form nouns indicating a system or practice. This suffix made its way into the English language in the 19th century, particularly gaining traction during periods of ideological and artistic development. It became popularly used to categorize various schools of thought in philosophy, religion, and politics, reflecting broader social movements and cultural trends. As more movements emerged, the suffix 'ism' was appended to new terms, enriching the linguistic landscape of English and allowing for diverse expressions of ideologies and practices across various domains, from arts to social sciences.