hobbism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowAcademic, philosophical
Quick answer
What does “hobbism” mean?
The philosophical system of Thomas Hobbes, especially his emphasis on human selfishness and the necessity of a powerful sovereign state to maintain order.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The philosophical system of Thomas Hobbes, especially his emphasis on human selfishness and the necessity of a powerful sovereign state to maintain order.
More broadly, any belief system or attitude that emphasizes egoism and the need for a strong central authority to control inherently selfish human behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Neutral within academic discourse, but may carry a negative connotation when used pejoratively to critique excessive egoism or authoritarianism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, with slightly higher frequency in academic texts related to political theory or intellectual history.
Grammar
How to Use “hobbism” in a Sentence
[Subject] critiques/rejects/espouses Hobbism.Hobbism as a [political/social] theory.The tenets of Hobbism are [adjective].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used as a technical term in political philosophy, intellectual history, and related disciplines.
Everyday
Almost never used.
Technical
Used precisely to denote the ideas of Thomas Hobbes or systems derived from them.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hobbism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hobbism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hobbism”
- Misspelling as 'hobbyism'.
- Confusing Thomas Hobbes with other philosophers like John Locke.
- Using it to refer to a general hobby or leisure activity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Hobbism refers to the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, which argues that human beings are inherently selfish and require a strong central authority (a sovereign) to maintain social order and prevent chaos.
Yes, Hobbism remains a key reference point in political theory, especially in debates about human nature, the social contract, and the legitimate scope of state power.
Unlike John Locke's more optimistic liberalism which emphasizes natural rights and limited government, Hobbism presents a darker view of human nature and advocates for absolute sovereignty to ensure security.
Rarely. Its use is almost entirely confined to academic discussions of political thought. In everyday language, it is virtually unknown and would likely be misunderstood.
The philosophical system of Thomas Hobbes, especially his emphasis on human selfishness and the necessity of a powerful sovereign state to maintain order.
Hobbism is usually academic, philosophical in register.
Hobbism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒb.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑː.bɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Thomas HOBBes and his belief that life without a strong ruler is 'nasty, brutish, and short' - HOBBism starts with HOBB.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS A LEVIATHAN (a powerful monster that controls chaotic human nature).
Practice
Quiz
Which concept is central to Hobbism?