creationism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “creationism” mean?
The belief that the universe and living organisms originate from specific acts of divine creation, as opposed to natural processes like evolution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The belief that the universe and living organisms originate from specific acts of divine creation, as opposed to natural processes like evolution.
More broadly, any theory attributing the origin of matter, species, or the universe to a transcendent, purposeful creator, often in a specific religious context, such as the account in the Book of Genesis. It often implies a rejection of scientific explanations like Darwinian evolution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning is identical. In public discourse, the term may be more frequently encountered in the US due to its prominence in political and educational debates.
Connotations
Both carry the same primary religious and anti-evolutionary connotations. In the UK, it is often perceived as a more fringe or specifically sectarian belief.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English media and academic texts related to religion, politics, and science education.
Grammar
How to Use “creationism” in a Sentence
[Verb] + creationism (e.g., 'advocate', 'reject', 'teach', 'debate')creationism + [Preposition] (e.g., 'creationism in schools', 'creationism vs. evolution')Adjective + creationism (e.g., 'biblical creationism')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “creationism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Creationism is often creationised in faith schools.
- He creationises his worldview from a literal reading of scripture.
American English
- Some groups seek to creationize the public school science curriculum.
- The textbook creationizes the origin story.
adverb
British English
- He argued creationistically for a young Earth.
- The museum presents its exhibits creationistically.
American English
- The curriculum was taught creationistically in some districts.
- She interpreted the data creationistically.
adjective
British English
- The creationist viewpoint was outlined in the pamphlet.
- They attended a creationist conference.
American English
- The creationist speaker debated the evolutionary biologist.
- She holds creationist beliefs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in religious studies, philosophy of science, sociology, and education policy debates.
Everyday
Rare, except in discussions about religion, science, or school curricula.
Technical
Used as a specific term in theology, science education literature, and polemics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “creationism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “creationism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “creationism”
- Misspelling as 'creationnism' or 'creationsim'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'theism' or general belief in a creator (it is more specific).
- Confusing it with 'intelligent design', which is a related but distinct concept.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Theism is a general belief in a deity. Creationism is a specific belief about how life and the universe originated, often tied to a particular religious text.
No. Many religious people accept evolutionary theory, viewing it as a mechanism through which a creator works (theistic evolution). Creationism typically implies a rejection of universal common descent.
A form of creationism that interprets the Book of Genesis literally, believing the Earth and all life were created by God in six 24-hour days, approximately 6,000-10,000 years ago.
Not exactly. ID presents itself as a scientific theory arguing for an intelligent cause behind life's complexity, often avoiding explicit religious references. Critics and some courts argue it is a form of creationism repackaged for science classes.
The belief that the universe and living organisms originate from specific acts of divine creation, as opposed to natural processes like evolution.
Creationism is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Creationism: in British English it is pronounced /kriːˈeɪ.ʃən.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /kriˈeɪ.ʃən.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CREATION + ISM. The 'ism' turns the act of 'creation' into a formal belief system or doctrine.
Conceptual Metaphor
BELIEF IS A STRUCTURE/DOCTRINE (e.g., 'the edifice of creationism', 'tenets of creationism').
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most closely associated with 'creationism' in educational debates?