mohammedanism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowArchaic, Offensive, Scholarly (historical texts only)
Quick answer
What does “mohammedanism” mean?
An archaic and now offensive term for the religion of Islam, considered incorrect and disrespectful.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic and now offensive term for the religion of Islam, considered incorrect and disrespectful.
Historically used in Western scholarship and literature to refer to Islam, but now understood as misrepresenting the faith by implying worship of Muhammad rather than God (Allah).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in usage; both varieties consider the term archaic and offensive. It may appear slightly more frequently in older British colonial texts.
Connotations
Strongly negative, implying Western colonial or missionary perspectives that mischaracterize Islam.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use. Found only in historical documents or as an example of outdated terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “mohammedanism” in a Sentence
[The term] Mohammedanism is considered offensive.He referred to Islam as Mohammedanism, revealing his ignorance.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mohammedanism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mohammedan world (archaic/offensive)
American English
- Mohammedan traditions (archaic/offensive)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical or critical discourse to analyse outdated Western perceptions of Islam.
Everyday
Should be avoided entirely; use 'Islam'.
Technical
Not used in religious studies or theology except as a historical label to be critiqued.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mohammedanism”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mohammedanism”
- Using it as a synonym for Islam.
- Thinking it is a polite or scholarly alternative.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic, theologically incorrect, and offensive. The correct term is 'Islam'.
It originated in medieval and early modern Europe, reflecting a Western Christian misunderstanding that Muslims worshipped the Prophet Muhammad.
Always use 'Islam' for the religion and 'Muslims' for its followers.
You may find it labelled as 'archaic', 'offensive', or 'dated' in modern dictionaries, with a note to use 'Islam'.
An archaic and now offensive term for the religion of Islam, considered incorrect and disrespectful.
Mohammedanism is usually archaic, offensive, scholarly (historical texts only) in register.
Mohammedanism: in British English it is pronounced /məʊˈhamɪd(ə)nɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊˈhæmɪdəˌnɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: 'Mohammedan-ism' incorrectly puts the prophet at the centre; 'Islam' correctly puts God (Allah) at the centre.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION AS PROPHET-WORSHIP (a false and offensive metaphor).
Practice
Quiz
Why is the term 'Mohammedanism' considered incorrect?