Definition

1. Noun:
   • A philosophical doctrine emphasizing the spiritual or immaterial nature of reality: "Spiritualism" can refer to the belief that the spirit is the true essence of reality, as opposed to materialism.
   • The belief that the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living: Specifically, "spiritualism" denotes the practice and belief system centered on communicating with spirits, often through a person called a medium.
   • A theological doctrine asserting the separate existence of God: In theological contexts, "spiritualism" may refer to any doctrine that posits God exists separately from the material world.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His philosophy was a form of spiritualism that valued inner peace over material wealth.
  • She attended a séance, an event common in spiritualism, hoping to contact her late grandfather.
  • The theologian's argument was rooted in a spiritualism that kept the divine distinct from creation.

Advanced Usage

• "To practice spiritualism": to engage in activities aimed at communicating with spirits.
  • In the 19th century, many people began to practice spiritualism.
• "A tenet of spiritualism": a core belief within the spiritualist philosophy.
  • The immortality of the soul is a central tenet of spiritualism.

Variants and Related Words

• Spiritualist (n): A person who believes in or practices spiritualism.
  • The spiritualist claimed to relay messages from the other side.
• Spiritualistic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of spiritualism.
  • The gathering had a spiritualistic atmosphere.
• Spiritism (n): Often used synonymously with the communicative aspect of spiritualism.
  • Spiritism involves rituals intended to summon spirits.

Synonyms

• Spiritism: (Specifically for communication with spirits)
• Immateralism: (Philosophical emphasis on the non-physical)
• Otherworldliness: (Focus on a spiritual realm)

Related Phrases

• To believe in spiritualism: To hold the beliefs associated with spiritualism.
  • Does she believe in spiritualism?
• A session of spiritualism: A meeting, like a séance, for spirit communication.
  • They held a session of spiritualism in the dimly lit room.

Related Idioms

• A spiritualist circle: A group of people who meet regularly to practice spiritualism.
  • She joined a spiritualist circle that met every Thursday.

Noun

1. concern with things of the spirit
2. the belief that the spirits of dead people can communicate with people who are still alive (especially via a medium)
3. (theology) any doctrine that asserts the separate existence of God