darwinism
C2Academic, Formal
Definition
Meaning
The theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce.
The application of principles of natural selection and survival of the fittest to areas beyond biology, such as social theory, economics, or philosophy. Can also refer broadly to a materialist or atheistic worldview based on evolutionary theory.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is often capitalised, especially when referring strictly to Darwin's original theory. In extended use, it can carry strong ideological connotations (e.g., Social Darwinism) and is a focal point in debates between science and religion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical in meaning and frequency. The primary difference is orthographic: it is standard to capitalise the term in both varieties, though lowercase 'darwinism' is occasionally seen in informal or extended metaphorical use.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term can be neutral in a scientific context but often becomes polemical in public discourse, particularly in the US where debates about teaching evolution in schools are more prominent.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prominence of evolution-related debates in public and political discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + Darwinism: accept, reject, advocate, critique, study, explain, apply, defend, oppose, misunderstandVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not directly idiomatic, but closely associated with] 'survival of the fittest'”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'The corporate Darwinism of the tech industry means only the most adaptable startups survive.'
Academic
Core usage: 'The paper traces the development of Darwinism from the 19th century to the modern synthesis.'
Everyday
Used in discussion/argument: 'He doesn't believe in Darwinism; he's a creationist.'
Technical
Specific: 'Population genetics provides the mathematical foundation for modern Darwinism.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Some critics attempt to 'darwinise' fields like psychology, applying evolutionary logic to human behaviour.
American English
- Proponents argue we should darwinize our understanding of social systems.
adverb
British English
- The ecosystem changed Darwinianly over millennia.
American English
- He argued that societies evolve almost Darwinianly.
adjective
British English
- His Darwinian perspective shaped his analysis of competitive markets.
American English
- The process was a Darwinian struggle for limited resources.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Darwinism is a famous idea about animals changing.
- Charles Darwin's theory, called Darwinism, explains how animals evolve.
- While Darwinism is foundational to modern biology, it remains controversial in some communities.
- The philosopher critiqued the uncritical application of Darwinian principles to sociology, labelling it a crude form of social Darwinism.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DARWIN's ISM' – the 'ism' (doctrine/system) proposed by Charles DARWIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVOLUTION IS A FILTER / NATURE IS A COMPETITIVE ARENA. Ideas/companies/societies are subject to 'Darwinian' pressures.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'дарвинизм' for extended social metaphors unless the context is clear, as it may sound overly ideological. In scientific contexts, it is a direct equivalent.
- Do not confuse with 'эволюционизм' which is broader and more philosophical.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Darwinism' as a synonym for all of biology, rather than the specific theory of evolution by natural selection.
- Misspelling as 'Darwanism' or 'Darvinism'.
- Using it uncapitalised in formal writing when referring to the theory.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Social Darwinism' most accurately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Evolution' is the broad fact that species change over time. 'Darwinism' specifically refers to Darwin's theory of *how* it happens—primarily through natural selection.
Within biology, the core principles of Darwinism (descent with modification via natural selection) form the foundational framework of modern evolutionary theory, which is universally accepted. Debates concern specific mechanisms (e.g., pace of change), not the validity of the core theory.
It is capitalised because it is derived from a proper name (Charles Darwin), similar to Marxism or Newtonian physics. The lowercase form is sometimes used for metaphorical extensions.
It is capitalised because it is derived from a proper name (Charles Darwin), similar to Marxism or Newtonian physics. Lowercase usage sometimes occurs when referring to broad conceptual applications.
Darwinism refers to Darwin's original theory. Neo-Darwinism (the Modern Synthesis) integrates Darwin's natural selection with Mendelian genetics, providing the genetic mechanism for heredity that Darwin lacked.