Word: Spiritism
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Spiritism is a belief system that focuses on the idea that spirits of the dead can communicate with the living. It often involves the study of these spirits and their influence on the world around us. People who practice spiritism believe in the existence of spirits and may try to connect with them through meditation, séances, or other spiritual practices.
Usage Instructions:
Basic Usage: Use "spiritism" when discussing beliefs related to spirits or spiritual communication.
Example: "He is interested in spiritism and often attends meetings to learn how to communicate with spirits."
Advanced Usage:
In academic or philosophical discussions, you might encounter spiritism in the context of religion or psychology, exploring how different cultures understand the afterlife and spiritual communication.
Word Variants:
Spiritist (noun): A person who practices or believes in spiritism.
Spiritualism (noun): A related belief system that also focuses on communication with spirits but often emphasizes mediumship and the afterlife.
Different Meanings:
General Meaning: In a broader sense, "spirit" can refer to the non-physical part of a person, often associated with emotions and character.
Contextual Meaning: "Spirit" can also mean enthusiasm or mood (e.g., "team spirit") or refer to alcoholic drinks (e.g., "hard spirits").
Synonyms:
Spiritualism: Often used interchangeably, though they can have different connotations.
Occultism: Referring to hidden knowledge about the spiritual world, which may include spiritism but also covers other mystical practices.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Summary:
Spiritism is a belief in the communication with spirits of the deceased. It is a topic of interest for many who are curious about the afterlife and spiritual experiences.