totalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal; academic
Quick answer
What does “totalism” mean?
The principle or system of complete and absolute control, especially in political or ideological contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The principle or system of complete and absolute control, especially in political or ideological contexts.
Can refer to any doctrine or practice that demands total adherence or excludes alternatives, such as in religious, social, or psychological domains.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; both varieties use the term similarly in meaning and context.
Connotations
Generally negative, implying oppressive or authoritarian control.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, primarily found in specialized discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “totalism” in a Sentence
oppose totalismadvocate for totalismcritique of totalismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “totalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government sought to totalise all aspects of public life.
American English
- The regime attempted to totalize every facet of society.
adverb
British English
- They governed totalistically, suppressing any dissent.
American English
- The system operated totalistically, eliminating all opposition.
adjective
British English
- His totalist views left no room for compromise.
American English
- Her totalist approach was evident in the strict rules.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear in discussions about corporate monopolies or extreme management control.
Academic
Common in political science, sociology, and critical theory to describe systems of total control.
Everyday
Very rare; typically only in educated or political conversations.
Technical
Used in psychology to refer to rigid belief systems or in philosophy for holistic doctrines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “totalism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “totalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “totalism”
- Using 'totalism' as a direct synonym for 'totalitarianism' without considering broader applications.
- Misspelling as 'totalizm' due to phonetic influence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly; totalism is a broader term that can apply to various domains like religion or psychology, while totalitarianism specifically refers to political systems with absolute control.
In British English, it is pronounced as /ˈtəʊtəlɪzəm/.
Totalism is frequently discussed in political science, sociology, philosophy, and psychology.
Rarely; it typically carries negative connotations due to its association with oppression and lack of freedom, though in some theoretical contexts, it might be used neutrally.
The principle or system of complete and absolute control, especially in political or ideological contexts.
Totalism is usually formal; academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'total' + 'ism' – an ideology that seeks total control over everything.
Conceptual Metaphor
Society as a seamless machine with no independent parts.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'totalism'?