Reformism: meaning, definitions and examples

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reformism

 

[ rɪˈfɔːmɪzəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political ideology

Reformism is a political theory advocating the improvement of society by reform rather than revolution. It is the belief that gradual changes within existing institutions can bring about social progress and justice.

Synonyms

evolutionism, gradualism, moderation.

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Word Description / Examples
reformism

Reformism is used in political or social discussions where gradual and non-radical changes are preferred to improve a system or institution.

  • The new government adopted a reformism approach to gradually improve healthcare.
  • Reformism in education has led to numerous small but significant changes over time.
moderation

Moderation is used in various contexts to denote balance and avoiding extremes, often in relation to behavior, consumption, or opinions.

  • He advised moderation in all things, including diet and exercise.
  • Her moderation in debates made her a respected and effective leader.
gradualism

Gradualism suggests slow and steady progress and is often used in political, social, and scientific contexts where changes are implemented incrementally.

  • The organization chose gradualism to implement new policies, avoiding any abrupt changes.
  • In geology, gradualism explains how landscapes evolve slowly through small, continuous processes.
evolutionism

Evolutionism applies primarily in scientific and philosophical contexts, especially when discussing the theory of evolution or gradual development over time.

  • Darwin’s theory of natural selection is a cornerstone of modern evolutionism.
  • His views on social structures were strongly influenced by evolutionism.

Examples of usage

  • His reformism led to several new policies being implemented.
  • The party's reformism appealed to a wide range of voters.
Context #2 | Noun

social movement

Reformism can also refer to a social movement that aims to make gradual changes within society to address issues such as inequality, poverty, and discrimination.

Synonyms

amelioration, improvement, progressivism.

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Word Description / Examples
reformism

Typically used in political or social contexts where there is a desire to implement gradual change through existing institutions rather than through radical or revolutionary means.

  • The party's platform is based on reformism, advocating for incremental changes to the healthcare system
progressivism

Usually pertains to a political stance or ideology that seeks progress through changes and reforms, often striving for social equality and justice.

  • Her policies are grounded in progressivism, focusing on environmental sustainability and social equity
amelioration

Used when discussing the process of making something better or more tolerable, often in relation to conditions, situations, or problems.

  • The charity focuses on the amelioration of living conditions for the homeless
improvement

General term used in various contexts referring to the act of making something better. It can be applied to personal, professional, or material contexts.

  • He has shown significant improvement in his studies this semester

Examples of usage

  • The reformism of the activists gained widespread support.
  • Many people believe in the effectiveness of reformism over radical approaches.

Translations

Translations of the word "reformism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reformismo

🇮🇳 सुधारवाद (Sudhāravād)

🇩🇪 Reformismus

🇮🇩 reformisme

🇺🇦 реформізм

🇵🇱 reformizm

🇯🇵 改革主義 (Kaikaku shugi)

🇫🇷 réformisme

🇪🇸 reformismo

🇹🇷 reformizm

🇰🇷 개혁주의 (Gaehyeokjuui)

🇸🇦 الإصلاحية (Al'iṣlāḥiyya)

🇨🇿 reformismus

🇸🇰 reformizmus

🇨🇳 改良主义 (Gǎiliáng zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 reformizem

🇮🇸 umbótastefna

🇰🇿 реформизм

🇬🇪 რეფორმიზმი (rephormizmi)

🇦🇿 reformizm

🇲🇽 reformismo

Etymology

The term 'reformism' originated in the late 19th century as a response to the revolutionary movements of the time. It gained popularity as a more moderate approach to social and political change, focusing on incremental reforms rather than radical upheaval. Reformism has been a key element in the development of democratic societies, influencing policies and movements around the world.

See also: reformation, reformed, reformer.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,482 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.