evolutionism
/,i:və'lu:ʃənizm/
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Definition
- Noun:
- A scientific theory of biological evolution: "Evolutionism" refers specifically to the scientific theory explaining the origin and development of species of plants and animals through processes like natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation over successive generations.
Usage
- "Evolutionism" is used as a formal, academic term to denote the scientific theory of evolution. It is often contrasted with other beliefs about the origin of life, such as creationism.
- It functions as a singular, uncountable noun.
Examples
- The debate between evolutionism and creationism continues in some educational contexts.
- His research provides strong evidence in support of evolutionism.
- The professor's lecture outlined the core principles of Darwinian evolutionism.
Advanced Usage
- "Philosophical evolutionism": Sometimes used in a broader, non-biological sense to refer to any theory of gradual development or progress in other fields, such as society or culture. However, its primary and most precise meaning remains in biology.
- While discussing social change, he carefully distinguished it from biological evolutionism.
Variants and Related Words
- Evolution (n): The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms. This is the core process described by evolutionism.
- Evolutionist (n): A person who believes in or supports the theory of evolution.
- Evolutionary (adj): Relating to or denoting the process of evolution.
Synonyms
- Theory of evolution: The most direct synonym.
- Darwinism: Specifically refers to the theory of evolution by natural selection as proposed by Charles Darwin.
Antonyms
- Creationism: The belief that the universe and living organisms originate from specific acts of divine creation.
- Fixism: The now-discredited theory that species are immutable and do not change over time.
Notes
- "Evolutionism" is distinct from the general term "evolution". "Evolution" refers to the observed process, while "evolutionism" refers to the scientific theory that explains that process.
- The term is less commonly used in everyday scientific discourse than "the theory of evolution." It often appears in historical, philosophical, or sociological discussions about the theory's impact.
Noun
- (biology) a scientific theory of the origin of species of plants and animals