energism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely RareHighly Academic / Philosophical
Quick answer
What does “energism” mean?
The philosophical doctrine that activity or force is the fundamental principle of the universe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The philosophical doctrine that activity or force is the fundamental principle of the universe.
A theoretical focus on energy or activity as the primary basis of reality or explanation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage between British and American English; the term is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries a strictly academic, historical-philosophical connotation.
Frequency
Effectively obsolete in modern discourse outside historical studies of philosophy. Far more common to encounter the word 'energetics' in scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “energism” in a Sentence
[Subject] advocates/expounds/presents energism.The philosophy/theory/system is a form of energism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “energism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The energist philosopher argued his case.
American English
- The energistic worldview fell from favor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used exclusively in historical or philosophical texts discussing 19th/early 20th century thought.
Everyday
Virtually unknown and never used.
Technical
Not used in modern scientific or technical contexts; 'energetics' is the preferred term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “energism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “energism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “energism”
- Using 'energism' to mean 'a high level of personal energy'.
- Confusing it with 'energetic'.
- Using it in a modern scientific context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialised term used almost exclusively in academic philosophy.
No, that would be incorrect. Use adjectives like 'energetic', 'dynamic', or 'vigorous' instead.
'Energism' is a philosophical doctrine. 'Energetics' is a scientific discipline studying the flow and transformation of energy.
Energism as a named doctrine is largely historical and not a active school of thought in contemporary philosophy.
The philosophical doctrine that activity or force is the fundamental principle of the universe.
Energism is usually highly academic / philosophical in register.
Energism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɛnədʒɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛnərˌdʒɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ENERGY' + 'ISM' (a doctrine or system). It's the 'ISM' that makes energy a philosophical principle.
Conceptual Metaphor
REALITY IS A DYNAMIC PROCESS (as opposed to static matter).
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the word 'energism'?