Ism: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• '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.

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.

With rank #19,052, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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